'One Of The Best' – Rodgers On Maddison's England Call-Up

- James Maddison has been selected in England's FIFA World Cup squad
- The Leicester City midfielder will join the Three Lions squad for the tournament in Qatar
- Maddison has scored six goals for the Foxes so far in 2022/23

Maddison, with six goals this season and 18 last term, has been in magnificent form for the Foxes over a 12-month spell. The Club's 2021/22 Player of the Season, Leicester's No.10 has one cap to his name but has regularly been among the highest-performing English players. 

Ahead of training on Thursday, leading up to Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham United, Maddison spoke to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate. England will face Iran, Wales and the USA during the group stage of the winter tournament, which is staged in Qatar over November and December.

"He was delighted," Rodgers told the media on Thursday afternoon. "He had a missed call from Gareth just before we went out to training. I said to him to go into my office to make the call privately. He obviously spoke to Gareth and came out with all the joy of the world so it was great for him.

"It’s wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here in Leicester. I’m delighted for Gareth from a coaching perspective to have that talent available at a great tournament. His level of consistency work ethic and talent over these last few years has swung that decision.

"He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League. I’m really really delighted for him."

Maddison's levels have been exceptionally high for a sustained period of time - and Rodgers paid tribute to his mentality. 

"I’ve seen him want to prove the point to himself that he can keep improving and developing," he added. "I’ve always sensed that desire to improve and be the best he can be. When I spoke to him this morning, just anticipating it either way, we didn’t know, it was a case of reenforcing progressing and developing.

"He’s got that mentality. It’s great news for him and great for his country. The most important thing for James, having one cap, was getting there. You never know what’ll happen at World Cups. He’s he’ll have training sessions and other opportunities off the pitch to show his whole package.

"There’s other top players there, buts he’s in the mix and I’m delighted for him."

On what City's No.10 will give to the squad, Rodgers explained: "He'll add maturity to the team, he'll will the players on and he'll also be ready to impact the games, whether he comes in, or if he has the good fortune to start a game. England have a top player who has been in good form for a number of years.

"This is a man who has shown resilience and passion to keep fighting and working. Now he's in the squad, it won't stop. I'm also delighted for England supporters to know they have this quality. It's full of talent, the England team, in those attacking areas.

"Everyone talks about his favourite position, but James has played across the front line to a high level. He's plays for me on the right side. He still scores and creates goals. He makes runs like a top winger. One thing he can do above a lot of players is that he can see the forward pass. That's absolutely key.

"He plays forward quickly. A lot of midfield players can conserve the ball, but you need players to see the pass. He's a player whose view of the game is fantastic. England have players who have talent and James has a special talent that can unlock tight games and defences and he can score goals."