James Maddison dropped from England’s Euro 2024 Squad
James Maddison hasn’t made England’s final squad for the Euros.
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As the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany inches closer, Gareth Southgate has made some tough decisions regarding his final England squad selection. One of the most surprising omissions from the final list is James Maddison, the talented Tottenham playmaker. While Maddison featured in the recent win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, it wasn’t enough to convince Southgate to include him in the final squad.
This article will delve into the reasons behind Maddison’s exclusion, analyze the impact on England’s midfield options, and explore potential alternatives Southgate might consider.
A Look at Maddison’s Recent Form
Maddison’s omission has sparked debate amongst fans and pundits alike. To understand Southgate’s decision, let’s take a closer look at Maddison’s recent form.
In his debut season at Tottenham, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Maddison made 28 appearances in the Premier League. While his contributions were decent, with four goals and nine assists, a significant portion of the season was disrupted by a three-month ankle injury sustained against Chelsea. This undoubtedly hampered his rhythm and consistency.
While Maddison did feature in England’s World Cup squad for Qatar 2022, he failed to see any playing time. This lack of experience on the biggest international stage could be another factor in Southgate’s decision.
Competition for Midfield Places in the Euro 2024 Squad
The England midfield is brimming with talent. Established players like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Kalvin Phillips are almost guaranteed their spots. Additionally, the emergence of youngsters like Conor Gallagher and Harvey Elliott has increased competition for places.
Southgate likely wants a well-rounded midfield that offers a blend of creativity, defensive solidity, and experience. While Maddison is undoubtedly a creative force, there might be concerns about his defensive contribution compared to other options.
Here’s a breakdown of some potential factors that might have influenced Southgate’s decision:
- System Fit: Southgate might be favoring a more structured midfield trio for the Euros, and Maddison’s skillset might not perfectly fit that mold compared to other options.
- Squad Balance: With a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal, Southgate might be prioritizing midfielders who offer a more balanced approach, contributing defensively as well.
- Impact from the Bench: While Maddison can be a game-changer, Southgate might be looking for midfielders who can offer a similar impact when coming on as substitutes.
The Impact of Maddison’s Absence on the England Squad
Maddison’s absence is a blow to England’s attacking options. He is a player known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defenses with his creativity. His set-piece delivery is also a significant asset.
However, England still boasts a wealth of attacking talent in midfield. Players like Phil Foden, Mason Mount, and Jack Grealish offer creativity and goalscoring prowess. The likes of Rice and Bellingham provide a strong foundation in the center of the park.
The key for England will be to find the right combinations in midfield that can control games, dictate the tempo, and create chances for the attackers.
Alternatives for Southgate to Consider
With Maddison out of the picture, Southgate has several options to consider for his final Euro 2024 squad. Here are a few possibilities:
- James Ward-Prowse (Southampton): The Southampton captain is a set-piece specialist and offers a strong defensive presence in midfield. His leadership qualities could also be valuable.
- Jordan Henderson (Liverpool): The experienced Liverpool captain provides leadership, tactical awareness, and tireless work ethic in midfield.
- Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal): The young Arsenal midfielder has impressed with his creativity and dribbling skills in recent seasons. He could offer a different dimension to England’s midfield.
Ultimately, the choice of midfielders will depend on Southgate’s tactical approach and the specific opponents England will face in the Euros.
A Missed Opportunity or the Right Call?
James Maddison’s omission from the England Euro 2024 squad is sure to spark debate. While his talent is undeniable, there might be valid reasons behind Southgate’s decision. The competition for places in England’s midfield is fierce, and Southgate has opted for a different blend of players for this tournament.
The success of England’s midfield will hinge on their ability to control games, create chances, and provide a solid defensive foundation. Only time will tell if Southgate’s decision to leave out Maddison proves to be the right call.
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