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      The amazing stats that earned James Maddison England call-up for World Cup 2022 and prove he is best playmaker in squad

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      JAMES MADDISON is heading to the Qatar World Cup as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad having statistically proven to be the Three Lions’ best playmaker. The Leicester midfielder, 25, hasn’t played for his country since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison is England’s best playmaker heading to Qatar
      Maddison only has one England cap to his nameCredit: PA
      He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
      But the all important phone call from Southgate to tell Maddison he’ll be on the plane to Qatar came after he played a part in 27 goals in 2022.
      Ten of those goal contributions have come in the 2022-23 season, proving to be England’s best playmaker.
      When compared to Three Lions team-mates Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, Maddison has the best goals and assists stats per 90.
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      The Foxes ace registers 0.81 goals + assists per 90 with his nearest rival this term being Manchester City’s Foden on 0.79.
      Maddison also creates the most chances in a game, including assists.
      He creates 2.77 chances every 90 mins, 0.26 ahead of Grealish.
      Natural wingers Sterling, Saka and Rashford dominate in the dribbling department.
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      But Maddison pegs his England team-mates back by registering 3.34 shots per 90.
      Maddison has also played 6.6 passes into the opposition box-a-game, the highest out of England effective forward-thinking players.
      Leicester will be hoping Maddison’s big news will see the midfielder put West Ham to the sword on Saturday.
      The Foxes have seen an uptake in form recently, picking up 13 points since the start of October.
      Maddison missed Southgate’s initial call before Leicester training.
      Boss Brendan Rodgers sent his player into his office to take in the news and shortly after Maddison returned to the pitch beaming.
      Rodgers said: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before training.
      “I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”
      Rodgers added: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.
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      “His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
      “Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.”
      Maddison forced his way into Southgate’s plansCredit: PA More

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      James Maddison’s stunning girlfriend gushing with pride after Leicester star is named in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      JAMES MADDISON’s girlfriend was proud as punch after her beau was confirmed in England World’s Cup squad.The Leicester ace was one of six midfielders named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
      Leicester City ace James Maddison has been named in England’s World Cup squadCredit: PA
      The midfielder’s stunning girlfriend Kenndey Alexa was overcome with joy at squad inclusionCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Kennedy posted a gushing message for her other half on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison’s other half is a model who boasts over 57,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The couple are believed to have begun dating in 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The pair share a child together – 15-month-old LeoCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison has yet to publicly react to the news, but his girlfriend Kennedy Alexa beamed with joy on her Instagram page.
      The 28-year-old reshared the official squad announcement to her Instagram story with a beaming message of support for her other half.
      Model Kennedy wrote underneath the post: “I could not be more proud.
      “You deserve it my love. Crying happy tears.”
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      Maddison’s stunning partner is expected to make the trip to Qatar along with the rest of the Wags of England to cheer them on to glory in the Middle East.
      Maddison and Kennedy are believed to have begun dating one another sometime in 2020.
      The pair, who are no strangers to displays of public affection, share a child together – 15-month-old Leo.
      Maddison, 25, played his way onto the plane to Qatar with a stellar 2022 for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes.
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      The former Norwich man has scored 17 goals in provided ten assists this year.
      Rodgers said of his inclusion in Southgate’s squad: “He was delighted.
      “He had a missed call from Gareth just before we went out to training. I said to him to go into my office to make the call privately.
      “He obviously spoke to Gareth and came out with all the joy of the world so it was great for him.
      “It’s wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here in Leicester.
      “I’m delighted for Gareth from a coaching perspective to have that talent available at a great tournament.
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      “His level of consistency work ethic and talent over these last few years has swung that decision.
      “He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League. I’m really really delighted for him.” More

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      Gareth Southgate explains tactical reason he selected Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained that Conor Gallagher’s “goal threat” and “pressing” is why he has been called-up for the World Cup.The Chelsea midfielder was called-up ahead of James Ward-Prowse who had been a regular in the England squad with Southgate at the helm.
      Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been selected for England’s World Cup squad.Credit: Conor Molloy/News Images
      Gallagher excelled last season on loan at Crystal Palace but this season he has not been at the same level for Chelsea.
      However, since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, his playing time has improved and he has now racked up a fair amount of minutes on the pitch this campaign.
      The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder and is capable of scoring goals and defending from the front, which is one of the reasons Southgate decided to reward him with a spot in Qatar.
      The England boss said: “He is fantastic at pressing the ball and there will be moments when we need certain attributes.
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      “We feel he can be that sort of player, not as experienced but he has an impact and a goal threat.
      “When you talk about the midfield you look to score and create and does a bit of all of that.
      “We were really pleased with his reaction to being left out when he went with the U21s.
      “His mentality was excellent. It is a great example that there is always a route back with us.”
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      Gallagher is not the only Chelsea player to make it into the England squad as his team-mates Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling both receiving calls from Southgate.
      However, his Trevor Chabolah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek miss out.
      Whereas Blues defenders Ben Chilwell and Reece James were both ruled out of the tournament with fitness and injury concerns.
      Gallagher will be competing with Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, and Mount for a spot in Southgate’s team. More

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      Gareth Southgate reveals he picked James Maddison for England’s World Cup squad WEEKS ago… but refused to tell him

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE decided to pick James Maddison in his World Cup squad WEEKS ago – but refused to tell him.The Leicester City midfielder returned to the Three Lions squad for the first time since 2019 when he was picked in the 26-man party on Thursday.
      James Maddison has been named in the England squad for the World CupCredit: PA
      Maddison has been in sensational form for Leicester CityCredit: Getty
      Maddison’s one and only cap came in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro almost three years ago.
      But his form of late has been impossible to ignore, with the 25-year-old performing right at the peak of his powers, registering six goals and four assists in 12 games this season.
      As a result, Maddison convinced Southgate some time ago, but the England boss didn’t fancy telling him.
      He said: “A lot of people were suggesting he wouldn’t be with us but we decided a couple of weeks ago that he would, but we wouldn’t tell him that then.
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      “He is playing really well and he is a good player, we have always said that.
      “He has earned the right and we think he can give us something slightly different than others we have.
      “At various stages there have been considerations and debates about James.
      “Ahead of the Euros I don’t think he was in contention and then probably a fair debate about including him in September.
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      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday 21 November
      “But he is playing well as any attacking player in the country.
      “He has always been up against good players, he is playing exceptionally well.
      “Not enough players play forward these days. He can score goals from distance.”
      Southgate was asked how the Leicester star reacted to the call and he said: “He was delighted.
      “I had some very difficult calls emotionally at the other end of the spectrum, so it was nice to give myself a bit of an enjoyable end to that.” More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs Iran: Date, stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, squad CONFIRMED for Qatar showpiece

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign begins later this month against Iran – and Gareth Southgate has confirmed his squad. The Three Lions’ last World Cup campaign ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
      England play Iran in their opening World Cup game in QatarCredit: Getty
      But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
      It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
      Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup group rivals USA.
      This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.
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      When is England vs Iran?

      England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
      The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

      What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      Who is in England’s 26-man squad?
      Gareth Southgate has finally announced his 26-man squad for England ahead of the World Cup.
      Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
      Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
      Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea)
      Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester City) More

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      Three ways England could line up at World Cup 2022 after Gareth Southgate names his 26-man squad for Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE’S long-awaited England squad has finally been unveiled.The Three Lions boss revealed the 26 players he is taking to Qatar on Thursday afternoon.
      Southgate announced his England squad on ThursdayCredit: EPA
      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
      And it is a special moment for the likes of Callum Wilson, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher who were all included.
      But it was heartbreak for the likes of Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham and James Ward-Prowse who all missed out.
      Now attention turns towards the starting line-up and how Southgate will organise the team for the tournament – which begins for England against Iran on November 21.
      Here are three starting XIs that could be fielded during the World Cup.
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      3-4-3 with Maguire, Sterling and Foden but NO Mount or Saka
      How England could line up at the World Cup
      This is arguably the most likely line-up for England should they come up against a bigger side in the latter stages of the tournament.
      Southgate is expected to resort to a back three when faced with more difficult opposition – and that would almost certainly mean Harry Maguire on the left of a back three.
      John Stones and Kyle Walker would likely line up alongside him – although Walker is a doubt for the start of the tournament.
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice seem the obvious choices in central midfield, flanked by Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw.
      And then up front Southgate has frequently put trust in Raheem Sterling to play off Harry Kane – with the Chelsea man repaying that faith with three goals at the Euros.
      The other spot is up for debate – with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden expected to be battling it out.
      Right now, though, Man City man Foden may just have the edge.
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      4-3-3 with Mount and Maddison but NO Trippier or Sterling
      Another way England could shape up in Qatar
      Many believe that for the group stage games Southgate should let the chains off a little and go with a back four.
      Fixtures against Iran, USA and Wales will likely present England with the task of trying to break those sides down.
      That could mean Walker switches to right-back and Trippier drops out.
      Maguire and Stones would likely keep their places – although Eric Dier, Conor Coady and Ben White will be pushing Maguire all the way.
      Shaw remains the obvious choice at left-back, with Bellingham and Rice in midfield.
      But a three in the middle of the park could see Mason Mount enter the fold – another of Southgate’s most-trusted players.
      And then up front the manager could decide to switch things around a bit with Foden swapping to the left and possibly James Maddison coming off the right.
      3-4-3 with White, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold and Grealish but NO Maguire, Shaw, Bellingham or Foden
      A third way England could line up at the tournament
      The final line-up is another 3-4-3 but with a number of changes to the personnel.
      Jordan Pickford, Stones, Rice and Kane are the only four who make it into each of SunSport’s three line-ups.
      And for this last one we have dropped Maguire – who is coming under fire for his form and lack of minutes at Manchester United.
      Dier and White are two of the best-placed defenders to replace the Red Devils captain thanks to their form so far this season.
      Trippier is the only other recognisable left wingback option in the squad behind Shaw – and he played there at the Euros.
      The cry for Trent Alexander-Arnold to feature is something which will not go away. Southgate may test it out at some point.
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      Bellingham would seem the natural partner to Rice in midfield, but a returning Kalvin Phillips has thrived in an England shirt and could yet resume his relationship with the West Ham man in front of the defence.
      Then in attack, Jack Grealish is another forward player Southgate could turn to if he is looking to unlock a defence, with Saka also very adept at doing the same thing. More

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      ‘Sheer brilliance’ – Gary Lineker hails James Maddison for ‘forcing’ his way into England World Cup 2022 squad

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      GARY LINEKER has praised James Maddison for “forcing” his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.The Leicester City talisman will be on the plane to Qatar as he looks to win his first cap since making his sole international appearance in 2019.
      James Maddison has been included in England’s 26-man squad for the World CupCredit: PA

      Maddison was revealed to be in the squad in today’s announcement, much to the relief of many fans who had been urging the England boss to select him.
      The Foxes midfielder’s brilliant form in the league this season has seen him score six goals and assisted four more in only 12 appearances.
      Leicester fan and former Foxes star Lineker was one to take to social media to praise the example set by Maddison.
      In a response to a tweet showing Maddison’s superb stats, he tweeted: “Absolutely. @Madders10 is the best example of forcing yourself into a squad at the very least, by the sheer brilliance of your performances.”
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      Lineker scored 48 goals for England and is now fourth behind Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Bobby Charlton in the all-time list.
      Maddison will have from now until England’s World Cup opener against Iran on November 21 to try to displace Southgate’s trusted players.
      The England boss has relied on his favourite players when he finished third in the 2018 World Cup and runners up at last year’s Euros.
      Maddison will be competing with players such as Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for a spot in the starting line-up.
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      For many players that get called up to international tournaments, they never get off the bench.
      In the last Euros, five players never played and only 16 played more than 100 minutes for England under Southgate.
      After England’s opener against Iran, they have group games against USA on November 25 and Wales on November 29 as they try to get to the knockout stages. More

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      The Premier League club that boasts the most England players in World Cup squad revealed… and shock side are second

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      MANCHESTER CITY boast the most stars of any club in England’s 26-man World Cup squad.Defender Kyle Walker was touch-and-go due to injury but he makes the squad along with four other City players.
      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
      James Maddison has been called up for the first time since 2019Credit: Reuters
      Newcastle star Callum Wilson is going to QatarCredit: PA
      Fellow defender John Stones, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden have also been named in Gareth Southgate’s squad, as has another injury-hit star Kalvin Phillips.
      Citizens boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Phillips would be fit for the World Cup and the midfielder came off the bench to make his first appearance since September against Chelsea on Wednesday.
      No club match City for number of players in the squad but Newcastle are a surprise close second with three.
      Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope are mainstays of the squad but they have now been joined by Callum Wilson, who is somewhat of a surprise inclusion.
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      Eddie Howe said the striker was desperate to go to the World Cup and he has been rewarded for his return of six goals in ten Premier League games – with strikers Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney missing out.
      Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United also have three players each in the squad, with Marcus Rashford returning to the Three Lions set-up.
      He has not made an England appearance since the Euro 2020 final but is joined in the squad by United pair Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, while Jadon Sancho has not made the cut.
      Another player returning for the first time since the Euros is in-form Arsenal defender Ben White.
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      Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale from the Gunners also feature while Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling represent Chelsea.
      Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund also have players in the squad, as do Leicester with James Maddison.
      Maddison’s inclusion comes amid some fine performances for the Foxes as he has helped drag Brendan Rodgers’ side off the bottom of the Premier League.
      And it means he is set to add to the solitary England cap he won against Montenegro in 2019. More