![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/rodgers-explains-what-swung-maddisons-england-call-up-after-phone-call/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1_Brendan-Rodgers-reaction-to-James-Maddison-making-Englands-2022-World-Cup-squad.jpg&description=Brendan Rodgers believes James Maddison's "consistency and talent" are what swung Gareth Southgate's decision to call the Leicester midfielder up to his England World Cup squad. Maddison, 25, has not featured for the Three Lions since his solitary cap three years ago in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Montenegro. His only other call-up to an England squad ended with his withdrawal due to illness, before he was later seen visiting a casino - an incident which did not reflect well on him with Southgate. But his latest form for Leicester has not gone unnoticed, with Southgate admitting when announcing his squad that the decision to include Maddison was made "weeks ago". Maddison was not informed of his call-up until the morning of the announcement, after he had already spoken to Rodgers, and was preparing for the worst. Speaking to Sky Sports, Foxes' boss Rodgers said: "It's wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here at Leicester. I'm also delighted for Gareth Southgate from a coaching perspective to have that talent available in what is such a great tournament. "I think his level of consistency and talent and what he's proven over these last few years has swung that decision for him. He's a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League, so I'm really delighted for him and obviously all of his team-mates because without them it's also difficult to play at the level he's been playing at." Rodgers then divulged details of his conversation with Maddison, stating: "When I spoke to him this morning, we were just anticipating either way, [if he was in or not] but the message was, whether you get the decision or not, to keep progressing and developing. He's got that mentality. It's great for him and his country." James Maddison has forced his way into the England squad for the World Cup (Image: Offside via Getty Images) What is England's best starting XI for their first World Cup against Iran? Have your say in the comments below. Asked on Maddison){kind=link}
Gareth Southgate has called up James Maddison to his England World Cup squad for the tournament in Qatar – three years since the midfielder’s last cap for the Three Lions
Brendan Rodgers believes James Maddison’s “consistency and talent” are what swung Gareth Southgate’s decision to call the Leicester midfielder up to his England World Cup squad.
Maddison, 25, has not featured for the Three Lions since his solitary cap three years ago in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Montenegro. His only other call-up to an England squad ended with his withdrawal due to illness, before he was later seen visiting a casino – an incident which did not reflect well on him with Southgate.
But his latest form for Leicester has not gone unnoticed, with Southgate admitting when announcing his squad that the decision to include Maddison was made “weeks ago”. Maddison was not informed of his call-up until the morning of the announcement, after he had already spoken to Rodgers, and was preparing for the worst.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Foxes’ boss Rodgers said: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here at Leicester. I’m also delighted for Gareth Southgate from a coaching perspective to have that talent available in what is such a great tournament.