'Been waiting so long' - Laura Woods hopes Gareth Southgate learns from his World Cup selection mistake

Laura Woods has urged Gareth Southgate to use James Maddison more in England’s upcoming fixtures.

During the latest international break, England will take on Italy and Ukraine as they look to get their Euro 2024 qualifying round to the best possible start.

Southgate has a huge array of talent to choose from, but talkSPORT presenter Woods has urged the Three Lions boss to put his faith in Leicester star man Maddison.

She said: “Get him in honestly, we’ve been waiting so long for this. Whilst there is a little bit of chance to have some movement and it’s the Euro qualifiers, still really important games but it’s not like he is a risk.

“He is creative, he is exciting, he’s intelligent, he makes things happen, he assists, he scores, just get him in!

“What are we waiting for? It’s taken so long, even to get him to the World Cup and to not give him any minutes even in games that he could have potentially had an impact in. “I’d love to see him, love to see it, is that clear enough?”

Although Leicester have been struggling in the Premier League this season, Maddison has still managed to record nine goals and six assists over 20 appearances.

🤩 "He's creative, he makes things happen."

👏 "What are we waiting for? Get him in!"

Laura Woods explains why James Maddison must feature for England during the Euro 2024 qualifiers! pic.twitter.com/9iAtLUlw8E

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 22, 2023

With the Foxes currently sitting in 17th place in the Premier League table, Jamie Redknapp believes Maddison will be key to their survival.

After Leicester’s 1-1 draw against Brentford, Redknapp told Sky Sports: “James Maddison is so key, he’s had a few injuries but played today, had to bring him off, but it was a big point for them against Brentford today.

“Brentford’s a tough place to go, he came off quite late into the game but they were having to manage his injury.

“You do feel if James Maddison stays fit they’ll stay up comfortably because of what he can do on the ball - he played an incredible ball for Harvey Barnes today.”

He continued: “He sees the game differently to anybody else and I always feel when you’re in a relegation battle, the players, or having watched the Premier League for so long, the players that play with no fear are the ones you want in this predicament. You don’t want players that are a little bit fearful, don’t want the ball, don’t take challenges.”