Micah Richards believes ‘ridiculous’ James Maddison can make England No 10 role his own

Micah Richards has backed ‘ridiculous’ James Maddison to start for England in the No 10 role after he continued his fine form against Aston Villa.

The Leicester star scored in his second successive Premier League match against Villa with a well-taken opener during the first half. The attacking midfielder netted against defending champions Liverpool the weekend before.

Maddison’s recent increase in goals and assists have come at a good time for him as he looks to push his way into Gareth Southgate‘s England team for the Euros this summer.

Micah Richards has backed ‘ridiculous’ James Maddison to start for England in the No 10 role

Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Chelsea’s Mason Mount are touted to feature in England squad

The 24-year-old has some very tough competition for places in the Three Lions camp, with team-mate Harvey Barnes, Villa’s Jack Grealish and Chelsea’s Mason Mount all touted to feature in Southgate’s squad.

But Richards has backed the Foxes midfielder to make his mark for England this summer if he continues his goalscoring form.

‘I think Maddison (has been the difference in class) with Grealish not playing,’ the former Manchester City defender said on Sky Sports at half-time of Leicester’s clash with Aston Villa.

‘I have to mention Matty Cash down the right hand side. Leicester have been totally dominant and it all starts with Maddison.

Maddison’s recent increase in goals and assists have come at a good time for Three Lions bid

‘I mean we bigged him up before the game, the pockets he’s finding is ridiculous. If he can play this well in that number ten role, there’s no reason why he can’t get into the England team.

‘Maybe Martinez can do better, but it goes through Mings’ legs and it’s a tremendous finish.’

Maddison scored his eighth Premier League goal of the season at Villa Park before being subbed off midway through the second half following a minor injury.

The former Norwich City talisman made his senior debut back in 2019 in a 7-0 victory over Montenegro but has not featured for England since.