Micah Richards, a prominent football pundit, expressed his enthusiasm for James Maddison retaining his spot in the England squad for their upcoming match against Italy. Richards commended the Tottenham Hotspur star’s exceptional performance in the number 10 position. This endorsement came during an episode of The Rest Is Football podcast following Maddison’s recent appearance for his national team, where he started in a 1-0 victory over Australia at Wembley, marking his fifth cap.
Maddison’s journey to solidify his role within the England squad has been marked by patience and perseverance. Often overshadowed by the depth of talent that England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, can summon, Maddison faced numerous challenges. His absence from the pitch during last year’s World Cup was a stark reminder of the fierce competition within the squad.
However, the 26-year-old midfielder has been steadily building his case for a more prominent role with his stellar performance at Tottenham in the current season. Maddison’s impressive statistics include two goals and five assists in the Premier League, making him the most prolific assist provider in the entire division.
Micah Richards is one of many who believe that Maddison’s contributions at Tottenham should earn him another chance to display his talents in an England jersey, especially as England edges closer to qualification for next summer’s major tournament. Richards expressed his desire to see Maddison on the pitch once more, emphasizing his belief in Maddison’s exceptional abilities in the number 10 role. Although Maddison’s last outing may not have been his best, Richards proposed an alternative position for him, stating, “They could play him off the left, though, if Bellingham starts at 10.”
Micah Richards’ endorsement of James Maddison’s continued involvement with the England national team underscores the player’s growing impact on the field and raises hopes for his further success in international competitions.