James Maddison's highlights show he deserved to be named in England's World Cup squad

James Maddison's incredible highlights show that it was absolutely the right decision from Gareth Southgate to include him.

Maddison has only received one cap for his country and that came when he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a 7-0 win against Montenegro back in October 2019.

He's been overlooked on many occasions and yet the Leicester City midfielder has continued to work down and showcase his talents.

No other English midfielder has registered more goal contributions than Maddison since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and finally Southgate has rewarded him for his fine form.

The former Norwich and Coventry man is in the 26-man squad on merit after scoring six times and contributing further with four assists in 12 Premier League appearances.

His highlights this term prove that he was more than deserving to be on the plane to Qatar. A pure No.10 in every sense, Maddison is so creative and has a wonderful delivery on him.

James Maddison - 2022/23 So Far@Madders10 pic.twitter.com/wNgqerlFTT

— ً (@AREDlTS) November 10, 2022

He strikes the ball so cleanly from dead-ball situations and outside the area, which could be invaluable to England when they need a moment of magic.

Brendan Rodgers, his manager at Leicester City, has regularly praised Maddison for the way in which he operates tactically and technically and when you look at the other players in his position, he does offer that something a little different.

Southgate concurs. Speaking on calling Maddison up, he said: "He's playing very well. He's earned the right. We think he can give us something slightly different to the other attacking players that we've got."

In interviews, he always comes across so well - offering insight and honesty with his answers. He's also made it clear that he was desperate to representing his country - something he calls "the pinnacle".

"It's a tough one to talk about," Maddison said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"I've got the mindset of working hard to try and get back in because playing for your country and representing England is obviously the pinnacle, you'll have interviewed loads of the lads from the squad and stuff. Seeing the lads and the experiences they've had playing for their country, that's what I want, what I'm greedy for, what I'm hungry for."

England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on 21 November. They then play the United States four days later before wrapping up Group B with a huge clash against Wales on 29 November.