James Maddison would have loved an evening like this: Time and opportunities are running out for the Leicester midfielder ahead of Euro 2020 with Jack Grealish and Mason Mount having edged him out of the picture
- Leicester’s James Maddison would have relished playing for England v Iceland
- Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount are now all ahead of Maddison
- The 23-year-old is running out of time to be involved in Euro 2020 next summer
It was during a passage in the first half, when little flicks and feints had blue shirts twisting and turning, that you thought of someone absent.
James Maddison would have loved an evening like this: wide open spaces to exploit, a team playing with confidence and ample opportunities to wreak havoc. But he was sat watching at home, perhaps wondering what the future holds.
This latest international camp has been excellent for midfielders Jack Grealish, star of the show in Belgium on Sunday, Mason Mount, scorer of the second in this procession against Iceland, and Phil Foden, who wrapped up the win with his first two international goals.
Leicester star James Maddison could have thrived playing for England against Iceland
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish has now pushed ahead of Maddsion in the England pecking order
For Maddison, however, it has left a question mark next to his name. The Leicester midfielder is desperate to get back into Gareth Southgate’s plans and said he was disappointed to miss this month’s three games having recovered from injury.
Southgate would never close the door on a player but you have to wonder whether circumstances are going to prevent Maddison from earning his place in the head coach’s plans for the European Championship. Suddenly, regardless of his club form, he is at the back of a long queue.
Despite his ability, Maddison faces a race against time to be involved for England at Euro 2020
Mason Mount, who is highly rated by Southgate, is another player who is ahead of Maddison
Grealish, you suspect, has won Southgate over and, along with Mount and Foden, will be in the squad for the tournament.
Other experienced players like Ross Barkley will also be in the Southgate’s thoughts. It gives an indication of the challenge facing Maddison. Time and opportunities are running out.
