JAMES MADDISON has been left out of the England starting 11 again – and fans are fuming.
The inform Leicester midfielder was left on the bench in the Three Lions 7-0 smashing of Montenegro on Thursday – but came on as a substitute to make his debut.
James Maddison has been benched against by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Rex Features
And after guaranteeing qualification for Euro 2020, England boss Gareth Southgate has given the squad a shake up.
But there is still no room for Maddison to start from the off.
Declan Rise and Harry Winks start alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield.
And having brought in keeper Nick Pope, Tyrone Mings and Callum Hudson-Odoi, fans are puzzled as to why Maddison has not been given the nod.
One said: “What is Southgate’s problem with maddison man!”
Another said: “An experimental line up, but one that is underwhelming to me. Why does Southgate not fancy Maddison at all? Clearly our best attacking midfield option in the squad.”
One added: “Surely Maddison should’ve started tonight.”
Southgate started the youngest England side in 60 years in the Montenegro hammering, with an average age of 23 in the line up.
Since taking over as England boss, Southgate admitted he has seen a shift in attitude when it comes to representing the Three Lions.
He said: “Over the years, we’ve had players where the shirt has hung heavy and the performances have reflected that.
“We’ve put out a team the other day, average age of 23, the youngest team for 60 years.
“Young players coming in, loving playing for England, really playing with freedom, playing with expression, thinking about what’s possible on the field rather than worrying about losing the game.
“So, for me, that’s a massive shift from when I joined the FA.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
