Declan Rice has delivered his verdict after Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison failed to make the England squad for Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate named the Spurs star in his provisional squad and even gave him an opportunity in the win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.
However, just three days later, it was confirmed that Maddison would not be going to Germany with the rest of the squad, which must have been hugely disappointing for him.
Declan Rice reacts after James Maddison is left out of England squad
Tottenham star Maddison is one of the most popular members of the England squad.
The midfielder’s quality on the ball is unquestionable and he has produced some incredible moments over the last few years.
However, following his injury at Tottenham in the 2023/24 season, Maddison just didn’t hit the heights of the first half of the season.
That’s probably why Southgate decided to drop him from the squad.
Since the announcement, Maddison has removed England from his Instagram bio. He also released a statement on social media, expressing how disappointed he is to miss out – Jude Bellingham and Pedro Porro among others reacted to his post.
Now, Arsenal star Rice has had his say.
In a press conference yesterday, the Gunners record signing was asked about the players who were sent home just a week before the Euros.
Rice replied, as relayed on Beanyman Sports: “
“It’s been really tough. Madders and Jack (Grealish) are probably two of my best mates in the squad. I probably spend most of my time with them since I’ve been here.
“To see them go is not a nice feeling. And they’ve both just said then, before they went, Madders last night, Jack just now, that they wish us all the best.
“Obviously, they’re gutted they’ve been left out of the squad but that’s one thing that Gareth has got spot on – we’re so close as a group that there’s no one that’s feeling really bitter about being left out.
“It’s more about the team.”
READ MORE: Neal Maupay mocks James Maddison after he misses out on England’s Euro 2024 squad
Harsh Gareth Southgate decision could be blessing in disguise for Tottenham
Dropping Maddison from the squad after picking him in the provisional side is just so harsh on him.
The Englishman, on his day, is an exceptional footballer. His creativity is up there with the best, his set-pieces are brilliant and an argument can be made that he should’ve been kept.
However, Southgate has Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer available in the number 10 role, and after the kind of seasons they’ve had, Maddison didn’t stand a chance.
That is disappointing for him, but for Tottenham, this decision could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Maddison will now get a good break and will be available for pre-season from the start. The risk of getting injured at the Euros has been eliminated too.
We’re sure Ange Postecoglou will sympathise with Maddison for getting dropped, but to have him get all the rest he needs ahead of the new season has to be viewed as a small yet significant positive.