Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, James Maddison, Premier League, Thomas Tuchel, Tottenham Hotspur
A Premier League player has revealed that he’s held talks with new England head coach Thomas Tuchel after he was previously snubbed by Gareth Southgate.
Tuchel, 51, was appointed as England boss in October and officially started work in January - although he has yet to take charge of a game.
But, with the March international break fast approaching, the German will name his squad for the World Cup Qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley on March 21 and 24, respectively.
Of course, injuries permitting, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, and Harry Kane are likely to be among the first names on the team sheet.
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But in other areas of the pitch, Tuchel may be keen to take a look at the options he has available.
In the number ‘10’ position, England have several top players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White, who will all be competing for a place.
But it is another attacking midfielder who is looking to get back among the Three Lions squad.
Tottenham Hotspur midfield James Maddison has not featured for his country since he won his seventh cap against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 3-0 friendly victory at St James’ Park ahead of Euro 2024.
England’s coach at the time, Southgate, 54, included Maddison, 28, in his 33-player provisional squad ahead of the Euros.
However, the 28-year-old did not make the final 26-man squad, which travelled to Germany.
“He [Thomas Tuchel] has touched base,” Maddison said. “I think he was reaching out to a lot of players who would be in the selection, probably quite a big pool of players that the FA have identified.
“I'm hungry to be part of that. I feel like I'm in good form, my numbers are pretty good, there's not too many midfielders who can out-score and out-assist me.
“Especially now when I'm feeling good as well, feeling sharp. I know I can affect most games. It's just about continuing to do that. Like I always say, if I play at that level for Tottenham, then the rest will take care of itself because I have a really strong self-belief.”
The Spurs man has registered ten goals and seven assists in 33 appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side this term.
