sport news James Maddison WILL go to Euro 2024 with England despite his dip in form for ... trends now
Chris Sutton believes James Maddison shouldn't be worried about making England's Euro 2024 spot despite his poor form with Tottenham - and threw his backing behind Ange Postecgolou after suffering four defeats in a row.
Maddison started the season in terrific form under the Australian coach after his £42million move from Leicester as he contributed three goals and five assists in his first 12 games of the season - before picking up a long-term injury in November.
The 27-year-old returned in January but hasn't been the same player since, registering just one goal and two assists - with no goal contributions since March. As a result, Postecoglou has benched him for the last two games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
But despite fears that Maddison's poor form will see him miss out on a place at Euro 2024 this summer, Sutton believes he still has enough quality to be included after news that manager Gareth Southgate will be able to pick 26 players instead of 23.
Speaking on Mail Sport's podcast It's All Kicking Off, Sutton says the player shouldn't be 'sweating' on his inclusion, insisting he has given a 'good response' since being dropped by his manager.
James Maddison should not worry over Euro 2024 spot despite poor form, says Chris Sutton
Sutton hailed the response of Maddison since being dropped by boss Ange Postecoglou
His podcast co-host Ian ladyman said: 'He'll be sweating on his England place a little bit, I would think. And he might be one of the ones to benefit from UEFA's judgment last week that there will be 26-man squads for the Euros rather than 23 because he might need to be one of those final three places.'
Sutton added: 'That's why he won't be sweating. I think you're right about his form.
'I don't necessarily think that many Spurs fans would have been surprised that he was dropped. Nobody has a divine right to play if their form dips. His form dipped. And he actually came on and it was a good response from him.
'He didn't sulk and chuck his toys out of the pram and just come on and trot around. He made a difference and that's what you have to do as a player. But he'll be going to Germany, I'm absolutely certain of that.'
He believes Maddison will benefit from Gareth Southgate (R) being able to pick a larger squad
Sutton was also asked by Ladyman what he made of recent pressure
