Glenn Hoddle backs James Maddison to win a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad
Glenn Hoddle believes James Maddison will force his way into Gareth Southgate‘s England squad for this summer’s European Championships if he keeps up his current run of form.
The Leicester playmaker, who has so far only registered one cap for his country, scored against Chelsea in midweek and spoke impressively afterwards about adding goals to his game in order to break into the England squad.
And ahead of the Foxes’ trip to Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, former England boss Hoddle backed the 24-year-old to make the Euro 2020 squad and honed in on Maddison’s ‘good football intelligence.’
Glenn Hoddle (L) has backed James Maddison to break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad
Maddison scored in Leicester’s win over Chelsea and delivered a superb post-match interview
When asked if he will get an England call-up, Hoddle replied: ‘I think so.’
Speaking to BT Sport, he continued: ‘He’s been absolutely brilliant. I’ve always liked the lad. He’s been very impressive in the last four of five games. What I like about him is he plays with his head up. He can play balls with both feet.
‘He gets in and around the box more now. He’s got lovely, quick feet. He’s becoming a goal scorer. I just think with England, he’s 24 years of age, he’s not a kid – now is his time.
‘He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s got really good football intelligence. It’s going to be a real battle for who comes to the top of the pile to get that England shirt.’
A spot in the England squad is currently highly-coveted, particularly with the rich array of No 10s currently at the disposal of Gareth Southgate.
Phil Foden (L) and Mason Mount (R) are other talented No 10s in England squad contention
Jack Grealish is another player who has forced his way into Southgate’s selection plans
In addition to Maddison, Manchester City star Phil Foden is also in a rich vein of form, while Mason Mount and Jack Grealish have also featured for the national team under Southgate in recent months.
Maddison’s sole cap came in a 7-0 win against Montenegro in November 2019, when he came on as a second-half substitute.
This season, the playmaker has scored eight times in 23 appearances in all competitions as Leicester continue to be the surprise package at the top-of-the-table, currently just two points off leaders Manchester United.
