Maddison retains his place in Three Lions squad
JAMES Maddison has been called up to the England squad again for their summer Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, writes Jordan Blackwell.
Maddison made his first England start during the last international break in March, impressing in a 2-0 win over Ukraine.
It was the attacking midfielder’s second senior appearance for the Three Lions, coming more than three years after his debut.
With City battling relegation in the two months since, Maddison has not been in top form, but has still registered three assists, while also converting a penalty at Fulham.
He has played well enough to remain in Gareth Southgate’s plans, and was named in a 25-man squad yesterday afternoon. Among the eye-catching names in the squad were Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, who earned his maiden call-up, while Brighton captain Lewis Dunk is back involved five years after his only cap.
England face Malta away on Friday, June
16, before hosting North Macedonia at
Old Trafford on Monday, June 19.
Elsewhere, City left-back Luke Thomas, right, has been included in England Under-21s’ squad for a training camp at St George’s Park in preparation for this summer’s European Championships.
The group will meet at
England’s headquarters for three days of training next month before manager Lee Carsley names his final squad on June 14 for the tournament in Romania and Georgia, which begins on June 21.
The Young Lions are in a group with Germany, Czech Republic and Israel, and Thomas will hope to make the cut for the tournament, which is the last he is eligible for at Under-21 level. He currently has 12 caps to his name.