‘WRONG’: KYLE WALKER SLAMS WHAT HE’S HEARING ABOUT TOTTENHAM’S JAMES MADDISON AT ENGLAND
Kyle Walker claims it’s “unfair” and “wrong” to imply that England manager Gareth Southgate isn’t getting the most out of playmakers like James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur.
In their Euro 2024 qualifying match on Saturday, England and Ukraine drew 1-1. Tottenham’s summer acquisition started on the left of a front three rather than in his regular midfield position.
Many criticisms of Southgate were leveled at him following the Three Lions’ dismal performance against Ukraine, especially the way he utilized players like James Maddison.
Kyle Walker, a right-back for Manchester City, was unfazed and asserted to talkSPORT that the club have “enough creative talent” to harm the opposition, aside from the manager.
Along with Maddison, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham all made their debuts. But the inclusion of Jordan Henderson in the starting XI infuriated supporters.
Henderson, despite switching to a supposedly lower league this summer, not only began in place of a Phil Foden and instead of a Maddison in the middle of the park, but he also played the entire game as Walker responded to the criticism.
Gareth Southgate and Maddison
If I’m being really honest, I believe it’s a little unfair,” remarked Walker. “I believe that players (like Madison) have week in and week out when they compete at their club. Training to adjust to it year after year.
“On a set number of days, Gareth has players who play on Sundays and players who play on Saturdays. Some people can’t truly train as much as they would like to because of injuries. It’s not as simple as some may believe.
“All right, we have a great collection of players. But you have to realize what he has to work with and how much time he has to work with, so James Maddison, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham are enough creative players on the field. At Real Madrid, he has been unstoppable. Jordan Henderson, who goes by Hendo.
The amount of creative skill is sufficient to harm teams. In that regard, I believe the critique is somewhat inaccurate.
Maddison-Rice-Bellingham
That’s the midfield that ought to have faced Ukraine first, or, if Maddison wasn’t available, Phil Foden.
It would be intriguing to watch what kind of side Southgate fields against Scotland on Tuesday since the midfield he currently uses is far too safe.
Given that the match is scheduled to take place at Hampden, even if it appears to be a friendly, Maddison should start and should play in a midfield position.
