Postecoglou tips Maddison to shine for England despite Spurs boss' warning

12 October 2023 , 06:00

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James Maddison has scored twice and provided five asissts since joining Spurs from Leicester. (Image: Sky Sports)

James Maddison is being backed to bring his dazzling Tottenham form into the England fold but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has warned that circumstances can often dictate that players thriving for their clubs do not always transfer their form into international football.

Maddison made his England debut in 2019 but had to wait until March of this year to win his second cap and has since appeared twice more under Gareth Southgate.

The 26-year-old has been the leading light behind Spurs’ rise to the top of the Premier League table and Southgate will face calls for him to be given a chance against Australia tomorrow night and next Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier versus Italy at Wembley.

And quizzed over whether Maddison can now begin to make a decisive impact on the international stage, Postecoglou said: “There’s no reason why not.

“But national teams are a bit funny because club form isn’t always the greatest indicator as to having a great international career. There’s so many other things that need to fall into line.

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“Sometimes it’s about circumstance, opportunity, who else is in that position, how much you get to play, the kind of football. There’s so many things that need to fall into place. But 'Madders' has the ability to play and excel at international level. I’ve got no doubt about that.”

Maddison has provided two goals and five assists for Spurs since joining in a £40m deal from Leicester and Postecoglou believes that a new club environment has provided the playmaker with greater exposure.

He added: “I think one of the reasons he came to Tottenham was to show people that he’s got more layers to his game and I think he’s showing that. Hopefully that transfers to him making an impact for England.”

James Maddison set up Micky van de Ven's winner against Luton last weekend. (Henry Browne/Getty Images)

After Spurs defeated Luton 1-0 on Saturday, Maddison vowed to never take being selected by England for granted as he played down the potential of this international break slowing the club's momentum.

Asked if he was bothered by the timing of the break from a Spurs perspective, Maddison said: “It’s never frustrating to go and represent your country.

“I had a couple of years out of the England squad – that’s more frustrating. In terms of Tottenham, you want to keep the rhythm, you want to keep the momentum, but you never begrudge going to represent your country.”

Alan Smith