MADD NOT TO PICK JAMES

DANNY WARD reckons common sense has prevailed with James Maddison’s inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.

Gareth Southgate had resisted the growing clamour for the Leicester star to be involved in recent months despite his fine form. But he has relented at the perfect time for Maddison, who scored in the 2-0 win at West Ham, and Ward (above) isn’t surprised. Wales goalkeeper Ward said: “He has really committed himself to working hard and you can see that in his game.

“We all see his goals, his flair, his link-up play and how he can change a game for us but people don’t really take notice of the other side.

“He’s instrumental in the way we play, he’s closing off spaces, he has a real high energy where he will track back and help his full-back out when he is playing on the right-hand side. He has been massive for us. Common sense has prevailed and he has got himself a slot in the World Cup.”