‘Sheer brilliance’ – Gary Lineker hails James Maddison for ‘forcing’ his way into England World Cup 2022 squad

GARY LINEKER has praised James Maddison for “forcing” his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.

The Leicester City talisman will be on the plane to Qatar as he looks to win his first cap since making his sole international appearance in 2019.

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James Maddison has been included in England’s 26-man squad for the World CupCredit: PA

Maddison was revealed to be in the squad in today’s announcement, much to the relief of many fans who had been urging the England boss to select him.

The Foxes midfielder’s brilliant form in the league this season has seen him score six goals and assisted four more in only 12 appearances.

Leicester fan and former Foxes star Lineker was one to take to social media to praise the example set by Maddison.

In a response to a tweet showing Maddison’s superb stats, he tweeted: “Absolutely. @Madders10 is the best example of forcing yourself into a squad at the very least, by the sheer brilliance of your performances.”

Lineker scored 48 goals for England and is now fourth behind Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Bobby Charlton in the all-time list.

Maddison will have from now until England’s World Cup opener against Iran on November 21 to try to displace Southgate’s trusted players.

The England boss has relied on his favourite players when he finished third in the 2018 World Cup and runners up at last year’s Euros.

Maddison will be competing with players such as Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for a spot in the starting line-up.

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For many players that get called up to international tournaments, they never get off the bench.

In the last Euros, five players never played and only 16 played more than 100 minutes for England under Southgate.

After England’s opener against Iran, they have group games against USA on November 25 and Wales on November 29 as they try to get to the knockout stages.