Maddison has magical touch, so call him up!
THE way Spain dominated the midfield at Wembley highlighted just what England are missing. We are crying out for a player like Thiago who can see a pass, move the ball quickly and is proficient with both feet.
It is like a conveyor belt the way Spain keep producing these technically gifted midfielders. For too long there has not been a similar English production line but I do believe coaches in our academies are working hard to develop these players. Here are five who could become England’s playmaker...
JAMES MADDISON (LEICESTER CITY)
I WATCHED him play against Liverpool recently. Despite facing one of the highest-energy midfields in the country, Maddison was the standout player in the game.
He had a fantastic season last year with Norwich, scoring 14 goals and setting up another eight. The fact that he has worked his way up through League One and the Championship means he has slipped under the radar.
Maddison may not look the quickest, but, like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, he has a deceptive extra yard of pace that allows him to go past people.
He has made the step up to Premier League seamlessly and is thriving playing alongside better players. Capped four times at Under 21 level, he is already good enough for a senior call- up. Maintain his early season form and that will only be a matter of time.
MASON MOUNT (DERBY, ON LOAN FROM CHELSEA)
COACHES in Chelsea’s academy have been raving about this kid for a long time.
He went on loan to Vitesse in Holland and was named their player of the year aged just 18.
Now he wears the No 8 shirt for Derby in the Championship and is learning from Frank Lampard, the Premier League’s greatest player to wear that number.
Mount is extremely fortunate to be learning how to spot passes and arrive late in the box from one of the best. He already has a lovely eye for goal — something which, Dele Alli aside, England lack in their midfield. He also has plenty of energy and is a real nuisance when pressing from the front.
While it is too early to be talking about an England cap this season, Mount is a player who really excites me and is a real star of the future.
PHIL FODEN (MANCHESTER CITY)
HIS ability was there for all to see at Wembley when City beat Chelsea in the Community Shield. He is the one player who has what it takes to become England’s David Silva. Foden can receive the ball on the half-turn, has a brilliant range of passing and is assured in possession. But his best quality is that nothing seems to faze him.
It is rare to see an 18-year- old with that look his eye that tells you he can cope with anything. If wants to be fast-tracked into the England squad, Foden has to force the issue. He can do that by coming off the bench, making an impact and earning the right to start games for City. In the absence of De Bruyne, City have missed that cutting edge in the final third. Now is the time for Foden to show Pep Guardiola why he is so highly rated.
HARRY WINKS (TOTTENHAM)
IF Maddison, Mount and Foden are more progressive players who will thread the ball through the eye of the needle, Winks is someone who excels at keeping the ball.
England could not handle the way Spain moved the ball so quickly and that is exactly what Harry loves to do. He gets it, gives it, and keeps things simple.
He has already proved he can cut it at the highest level, starring home and away against Real Madrid in the Champions League and in Tottenham’s 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool last season. His biggest issue is injuries. With Spurs fighting on four fronts this season, Mauricio Pochettino will need to rotate his squad. That should give Winks plenty of opportunities to break back into Southgate’s squad. He just needs to prove his fitness.
JONJO SHELVEY (NEWCASTLE)
FEW English midfielders are better than Jonjo at hitting those raking, 50-yard ‘Hollywood’ passes.
He is a brilliant quarterback and has the ability to unlock any defence. What holds him back when it comes to consideration for England is that he lacks that half a yard of pace you need to succeed on the international stage.
There are also question marks over his temperament. He needs to have at least 10 brilliant games for Newcastle in the coming months if he wants to add to his six caps. Whether he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in a team which plays so negatively remains to be seen.