Brendan Rodgers tried to console James Maddison before England call

James Maddison has made the England squad (Image: GETTY)Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he tried reassuring James Maddison that if he wasn’t going to make the 2022 World Cup squad then he would be a shoo-in for the next major tournament on current form. There had been a huge clamour from England fans for Southgate to include Maddison in the 26-man squad.But, for whatever reason before, the midfielder had been overlooked by the England boss in the past. Maddison’s one and only senior England appearance came back in 2019 having come off the bench in the 7-0 win over Montenegro.A hip injury saw him ruled out of contention by Southgate for last year’s European Championship. But the England boss has now brought Maddison back into the fold for the 2022 World Cup.Rodgers admits he spoke with Maddison on Thursday morning when it still wasn’t clear whether the midfielder was going to make the squad or not. “He wanted to improve for himself. He wants to be the best he can be,” Rodger said. James Maddison’s last England appearance came three years ago (Image: GETTY)”I spoke to him this morning anticipating either way, I was reinforcing about the next World Cup. He’s got that mentality to do that. It’s great news for him.’He added: ‘It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.”His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League. Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.’But Maddison very nearly didn’t get the chance to hear Southgate tell him he had made the England squad. Rodgers revealed that Maddison had missed Southgate’s first call and the Leicester boss allowed his midfielder to use his office to call him back.’He had a missed call from Gareth just before training,” he said. “I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”