By Dominic King for the Daily Mail
Published: 22:30 BST, 17 June 2019 | Updated: 23:30 BST, 17 June 2019
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James Maddison had only been talking for two minutes but it was clear how this interview would proceed. It is important to set an upbeat tone before a major tournament and the Leicester midfielder could not have done a better job.
England's Under-21s begin their quest to win the European Championships on Tuesday evening against France, the tournament favourites, but any sense that Aidy Boothroyd's squad find the odds stacked against them was quickly banished.
Maddison enjoyed a terrific debut season in the Premier League, winning admirers for the imagination he showed in his play that led to seven goals and seven assists. As he held court in the Grand Hotel da Vinci, England's plush headquarters, his words were similarly rich and vibrant.
Leicester's James Maddison is relishing the start of the Under 21 European Championship
England will need Maddison to be at his best against favourites France on Tuesday night
Many feel this is Maddison's moment to show why he can become a fixture in Gareth Southgate's future squads but he will not subscribe to it. This, he pointed out firmly, is not some audition. This is a wonderful chance to achieve something memorable and his enthusiasm for the task ahead was infectious.
'I am so excited!' he said, rubbing his hands together for further emphasis. 'I have been looking forward to this for ages. I've never actually played an international tournament before. I have played in qualifying, international friendlies and stuff but not a tournament.
'It is new to me but, honestly, I'm raring to go! The challenge that we face trying to win it drives me on that extra few per cent. You are playing for your country. You can never take that for granted at any level. People ask what do you think about not getting called to the seniors; it's not about that.
'When I put that badge on I want to go and win this
