Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle involved as Jamie Carragher clarifies James Maddison England omission; Maguire comparison made

Leicester star James Maddison

Jamie Carragher has tried to explain why James Maddison has been left out of the England squad, during which he named Newcastle and made a comparison with Harry Maguire.

Maddison was in great form last season, notching 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He was one of Leicester’s best players as they finished eighth in the Premier League and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

Leicester have endured a terrible start to the new campaign. They are yet to win in the league after seven matches and sit bottom of the table, three points behind 19th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Despite his team’s struggles, Maddison is still doing well. The attacking midfielder has registered goals against Arsenal, Southampton and Tottenham so far this term. He also chipped in with an assist during Leicester’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on the opening weekend.

Maddison has won just one England cap so far in his career, even though he is now 25 years old and has been playing in the Prem for several years.

This is because of Gareth Southgate’s plentiful attacking options. Phil Foden and Mason Mount can both do a similar job to Maddison, leaving no room for him in the squad.

Maddison was left out when Southgate named his 28-man England squad earlier this month. This saw the Leicester ace miss out on the recent defeat to Italy, as well as tonight’s clash against Germany.

Funnily enough, England could have probably done with Maddison in the team against Italy. They were lacking creativity and needed a special moment, something Maddison has managed to conjure up this season while Leicester have been struggling.

Carragher reacts to James Maddison England snub

During a conversation on Twitter, Carragher spoke about why Maddison continues to be left out by Southgate.

The pundit thinks part of the problem is teams like Newcastle are pursuing him, rather than clubs from the ‘Big Six’. This shows Maddison is just a step behind England selection rivals Foden and Mount.

Carragher also made a comparison between Maddison and Harry Maguire. The centre-back is in the squad even though he is out of form with Manchester United.

“I like Maddison and he has a strong claim for the squad but don’t get carried away,” Carragher said (via Leicestershire Live).

“He was fighting for his place last season at Leicester and has done very well this season. Newcastle made a bid, not one of the top six.

“Maguire gets picked for being outstanding in two tournaments.”

Carragher certainly raises a few good points. Maddison is not quite at Foden’s level, which explains why the Manchester City man starts under Southgate and Maddison doesn’t.

Maguire gets nod despite opposite form to Maddison

And Carragher’s Maguire point makes sense as well. The Man Utd defender is out of Erik ten Hag’s starting eleven. But he has always stepped up for England when called upon.

Nevertheless, Maddison will be sad at once again being left out. He has done pretty much all he can to make the England squad and will feel Southgate favourites other midfielders.

England changing managers could benefit Maddison hugely. That would especially be the case if they went for Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who may just be on the FA’s shortlist.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has explained why Joao Pedro didn’t swap Watford for Newcastle this summer.