James Maddison’s wholesome reflection on first England match in nearly four years as he reveals fears after repeated squad exclusions

James Maddison has revealed he feared his England days were over after repeatedly being excluded from Gareth Southgate’s squads.

Before his starring display in the 2-0 win against Ukraine on Sunday, the Leicester playmaker hadn’t featured for the Three Lions since November 2019.

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Maddison impressed during England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine, a match he started

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Leicester playmaker Maddison made his first Three Lions appearance since November 2019

Despite his dazzling displays for the Foxes, the 26-year-old continued to be overlooked, before forcing himself into the World Cup squad for Qatar.

But a second England cap eluded Maddison in the Middle East as a knee injury left him on the sidelines for the duration of the tournament.

And having impressed for Leicester in 2023, Southgate couldn’t deny Maddison a place in his latest squad, as he rewarded him with his first start for the senior side.

His decision paid off, as Maddison looked at home at Wembley, where he created five chances – the most of any England player on his first start since Theo Walcott against Andorra in 2008.

In a wholesome interview with talkSPORT’s England correspondent Faye Carruthers after the Euro 2024 qualifier, Maddison expressed his delight at once again donning the England jersey.

Asked about his performance, said: “I thought it was good. I thought we played well.

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“It was really important that we reiterated what Gareth [Southgate] and Steve [Holland] said in the week, how we hadn’t beat Italy in 60 years in Italy.

“There was no point going there winning – Harry [Kane] going on to break the [England scoring] record – to then drop points at home against Ukraine.

“So a brilliant week, six points out of six after what looked to be a tough start to qualification with the start we had.

“But I felt really good, it almost felt like a second debut, I know that doesn’t really work, but just because it’s been so long since my last cap.

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Maddison created five chances for his England teammates in the Euro 2024 qualifier

“But I really enjoyed it out there, I love football and I just love being out there, and to be out there with the quality that we have in the squad was refreshing.”

Asked if he feared about his England spot after his knee injury just before Qatar, he remarked: “No it wasn’t necessarily the World Cup, it was more before that when I was out of the squad.

“Because once you’re out of the squad, it’s tough to get back in because I know Gareth is very loyal, but it was just up to me to try and force my way in.

“And I managed to get into the World Cup squad, but I had an irritating knee injury which was very frustrating, I couldn’t really get fit.

“So my aim was to just get back to Leicester, get fit, get strong, play well and hopefully he selects me again, and he did.

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Maddison will be hoping his display has convinced Southgate to keep him in his starting XI

“He played me today and I’m very thankful for that and hopefully I repaid him with a good performance.”

Pressed on when he found out he would be playing, Maddison added: “I found out yesterday when we did the team shape.

“And it was nice, because I’ve been waiting for that opportunity, I’ve been working so hard away from here at Leicester just to try and force my way back in the squad, because I love football.

“Like I said, I’m such a football guy, and representing your country is the pinnacle, and I know I’ll have a proud, mum, dad, girlfriend and my little boy [Leo Cruz] was here.

“So I’m really, really happy, it’s good to be back.”