MADD FOR IT
Leicester ace desperate for U21 glory
JAMES MADDISON can’t wait to get started in the Under 21 European Championship — despite England facing a daunting opening task tonight.
The Leicester midfielder enjoyed a terrific debut season in the Premier League, winning admirers for his imaginative play that led to seven goals and seven assists.
And England may need him to be at his best if they are to overcome tournament favourites France in their first group C fixture here.
‘I am so excited!’ he said, rubbing his hands together for further emphasis. ‘I’ve been looking forward to this for ages. I’ve played in qualifying, international friendlies... but not an actual international tournament before. The challenge we face trying to win it drives me on that extra few per cent.’
Many feel this is Maddison’s moment to show why he can become a fixture in gareth Southgate’s future squads but the 22-year-old insisted this was about more than just auditioning for the senior side.
‘You are playing for your country — you can never take that for granted at any level,’ he said. ‘People ask what I think about not getting called to the seniors — it’s not about that.
‘When I put on that badge I want to go and win this tournament. The lads feel that as a group. I am excited, determined, all those words. The other lads have had success in tournaments but my trophy cabinet is empty. I have a few individual ones in there but there are no winners’ medals.
‘I am desperate to win. It is such a big stage to express what good talent we have. I don’t want to sit here and blow my own trumpet but I’ve always been a confident lad and backed myself. England fans will be watching thinking this is the future of England teams.’
As will Southgate, who will be in attendance tonight. The England manager called up Maddison for the Nations League qualifiers in Croatia and Spain last october and has continued to chart his progress.
It has been a whirlwind 12 months for the player Leicester signed from Norwich for £25million. He made a flying start with a superb display against Manchester United at old Trafford and is now being touted as a potential signing for ole gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
‘I just take it all in my stride — that’s all I have ever done,’ said Maddison. ‘When I was playing as a 17-year- old at Coventry I had speculation. Speculation is speculation. I just love playing football and the rest will take care of itself. My focus is solely on this: France. A massive game. We need to be ready.’
You suspect they will be. Boothroyd named his starting line-up in private at the weekend to ensure that those who felt disappointed to miss out have clear heads by the time kick- off comes around. He also named Chelsea defender Jake ClarkeSalter as his captain.
France will provide a huge threat but Maddison insisted England have a threat of their own.
‘France are a brilliant team,’ he said. ‘We will have to be at our best. But that does not take away the fact that we have a brilliant team as well, full of talent, full of legs and full of character. We are going into the game to win.’ ENGLAND (4-2-3-1) Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Clarke-Salter, Tomori, Kelly; Choudhury, Dowell; Maddison, Foden, Sessegnon; Calvert-Lewin. FRANCE (4-2-3-1) Bernardoni; Dagba, Konate, Upamecano, Ballo-Toure; Aouar, Guendouzi; Bamba, Reine-Adelaide, Del Castillo; Dembele.