As the much-anticipated Euro 2024 approaches, England’s manager Gareth Southgate has made a significant decision that will shape the team’s prospects in Germany. Among the notable omissions from the final squad is Tottenham’s standout midfielder, James Maddison.
A Tough Call
James Maddison, at 27, will not feature in England’s squad for the upcoming European Championship, as confirmed by David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano. This decision follows Southgate’s review of his preliminary 33-man roster, which needed to be trimmed by seven players. Despite his initial inclusion, Maddison will not be part of the team competing in the tournament.
Maddison’s Impressive Season
Maddison’s exclusion comes as a surprise given his impactful season with Tottenham Hotspur. Transferred from Leicester City for over 46 million euros last summer, Maddison quickly became a key player at Tottenham. In the first nine Premier League matches, he scored three goals and provided five assists, earning praise as one of the league’s top performers. However, a mid-season injury sidelined him for two months, limiting his overall contributions to four goals and nine assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Impact on England’s Campaign
With Maddison’s absence, England will face Slovakia, Denmark, and Serbia in the group stage without one of their creative midfield talents. This decision highlights Southgate’s confidence in the remaining squad members and his strategic choices for the tournament. England fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see how the team performs in Maddison’s absence and whether Southgate’s gamble pays off.
