The form of James Maddison has been up for debate in the final few months of the season, following a difficult spell for Tottenham.
The playmaker joined Spurs from Leicester City in the summer of 2023 for a fee worth roughly £40million, which appeared to be a bargain.
Maddison finally filled the boots of Christian Eriksen, who had left Hotspur Way in 2020 and hadn’t quite been replaced since.
Eight goal involvements in his first nine Premier League games had touted the attacking midfielder as one of the signings of the summer.
However, just a few games later, Ange Postecoglou was rocked by a serious ankle injury that kept Maddison sidelined until late January.
Upon his return, the 27-year-old never quite returned to form, picking up just five goal involvements in the final 16 matches of the season.
That left question marks over his place in the England squad ahead of the European Championships in the summer, despite Maddison’s late improvement in performances for Spurs.
James Maddison receives England Euros squad call-up
Despite some questions over the form of Maddison, there was still a place for him in the initial England squad for the Euros this summer.
The playmaker is part of a 33-man squad that will play in warm-up friendlies before it is cut down to a 26-man squad for the competition.
Maddison may have to push to keep himself in the group for the tournament, with matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in early June.
Tottenham fans react to James Maddison call-up
Supporters of Tottenham have been debating the decision to call Maddison up to the England squad following his poor run of form.
One fan said on social media: “Lucky lad. Selected on rep this time. Been awful for months. Congrats though Madders!” while another added: “Lucky boy really.”
Others believed the playmaker was deserving of his call-up, with one supporter stating: “Well deserved by Madders.”
Another fan said: “Well deserved Madders. Make us proud!”
Largely though, the jury remains out on whether Maddison will do enough to keep himself in the squad once Southgate reduces the size of it.
“Congrats Madders, big push now to make the final cut,” said one Spurs fan, while another claimed: “Won’t be mad if he gets dropped.”
James Maddison form return
While there may be some disappointment with how Maddison ended the season with Tottenham, he is still a quality player.
For Spurs, the Euros could offer the playmaker a chance to find that spark which has been missing since his injury.
Should the England international manage that, it could be like a whole new signing for the Lilywhites heading into next season.
