Postecoglou gives verdict of Maddison’s England exclusion
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison was excluded from England’s squad for the Three Lions’ UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland this month as Lee Carsley decided against calling up the player for a second successive time.
It was a particularly questionable decision by Gareth Southgate’s fill-in, especially considering that Maddison has played superbly so far this season. He has arguably been Spurs’ best midfielder and would have added a tremendous amount of creativity to his nation’s engine room as well.
Ange Postecoglou was quizzed about Maddison’s absence from the squad in the build-up to Tottenham’s fixture with Brighton in the Premier League. The Australian had the following to say regarding the issue (via Spurs’ official website):
“I’m sure he’s disappointed but, at the same time, he’s playing well, so sometimes that’s all you can do. These things come along at times, it’s not always perfect in your career. There are situations and circumstances where you don’t always get what you want, but that shouldn’t detract from everything else you’re doing.
He’s playing really well for us, he’s been outstanding all year, an important part of our midfield set up and if he continues to do that, I’m sure he’ll be selected again. You can’t put everything in one basket and be disappointed because you’ve missed out, that shouldn’t have any affect on him and the way he’s playing, because he’s been brilliant for us.”
It’s hard to not commiserate with James Maddison for not finding a berth in the England squad. At the same time, it is arguable that there is huge competition for a spot in the Three Lions’ side and perhaps his one goal and three assists were not enough figuratively ahead of some other names.
The 27-year-old not earning a national call-up does not take away anything he has done for Spurs so far this season and looking at things solely from the club’s perspective, it may be a blessing in disguise that he will not play any match for a fortnight after the Brighton game on Sunday.
The international break is notorious for players coming back injured and given how lengthy the ongoing season can be if Spurs make the latter stages of their knockout competitions, Postecoglou will need his key players, including Maddison, fit and fresh.
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With that said, Maddison will still be ambitious and hold out hope for a spot in the England squad next month but like Postecoglou said, the best the former Leicester City star can do is to perform at his peak and not be affected by external factors beyond his control.
