Maddison hits back at Neville’s questioning over England traveller claims after Three Lions snub
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James Maddison hit back at the suggestion that he hasn’t made the England squad because he wouldn’t be a good traveller if he wasn’t an Three Lions regular.
Maddison was speaking after he netted a brace in Leicester City’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Monday night to take his tally to five goals in seven games.
The 25-year-old was once again pivotal for Brendan Rodgers’ side as they claimed their first three points of the season but the Foxes’ talisman continues to be overlooked for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
James Maddison fired in his second goal of the night with a superb free-kick against Forest
In his post-match interview, Gary Neville asked Maddison for his reaction to claims he ‘wouldn’t be a good traveller’ if he was given a bit-part role for the Three Lions.
Maddison refuted the claims saying: ‘I’ve never seen anything like that but that’s almost questioning my personality and my professionalism which is obviously quite insulting.’
The Foxes star has earned just one cap for England, coming in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro in 2019.
Maddison his back at claims he would not be a good traveller if picked for the England squad
He faces stiff competition for a seat on the plane to Qatar from the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount but Maddison’s stats since the beginning of the 2021-22 season show he has statistically outperformed all of his competitors with 17 goals and 10 assists.
Despite the door remaining shut on a recall before November’s kick-off in Doha, Maddison is optimistic he can force his way into Southgate’s squad.
‘I’m not naive, I know there’s top players in those forward areas. But I have a self belief and a confidence that I’m a top player and I can be in that category. I’ve got to have the mindset of ‘I’ll force my way in,’ Maddison told Sky Sports.
‘I think there could be a space for me so I’ll just keep working hard, producing performances for Leicester and the gaffer here and see where it leaves me.’
Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for Maddison and insists he should be in the England squad
Meanwhile Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers talked up his two-goal hero and did his best to convince Southgate to include Maddison for the showpiece tournament.
‘It’s such a shame for the country and for him himself [that he’s not in the squad],’ Said Rodgers after seeing his side dismantle their East Midland rivals.
‘You can see his talent and his performances at this level in the last 18 months. James is an absolutely brilliant player and I hope he can somehow get into the team because if you want creativity and personality then he’s an absolutely outstanding player. He’s improved his defensive ability too.
‘He’s a great, great lad and to work with him every day is an absolute joy. He’s very focused and he’s just got so many qualities, so I think he’s at least deserving on being in the squad.’
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