Left Out Maddison: 'Thought There Would Be Room for Me'

"Devastated is not quite adequate," begins the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder. "I trained well and worked hard all week, but if I'm honest with myself, my form at Spurs when I came back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn't at the level I needed it to be, which forced Gareth to make a decision."

"I still thought there would be room for me in a 26-man squad, because I feel like I bring something different and have been a mainstay in this whole qualification campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany, but the manager has made the decision, and I have to respect that. I will come back, I have no doubt about that. I wish the boys all the best in Germany, an incredible group and guys I literally consider my best friends. I truly hope England wins the Euros."

James Maddison, at 27, has already accumulated seven international caps, showcasing his skill and potential on the global stage. His exclusion from the England squad for the upcoming Euros comes as a significant blow, especially considering his contributions during the qualification phase. Maddison's journey has been marked by both highs and lows, with his recent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur being a notable highlight.

Last summer, Maddison made a high-profile move from Leicester City to Spurs for over 46 million euros. This transfer marked a new chapter in his career, promising fresh opportunities and challenges. Despite the hefty price tag, Maddison quickly integrated into the Spurs lineup, demonstrating his playmaking abilities and creativity on the field. In 28 Premier League matches, he managed to score four goals and provide nine assists, reflecting his importance to the team's attacking dynamics.

However, injuries have plagued Maddison's season, impacting his form and consistency. His candid reflection on his post-injury performance highlights his self-awareness and commitment to improving. "I trained well and worked hard all week," he said, indicating his dedication to regaining peak form. Yet, he acknowledges that his efforts fell short of the standards required for national selection.

Maddison's disappointment is palpable, yet he maintains a respectful tone towards the decision made by England manager Gareth Southgate. "The manager has made the decision, and I have to respect that," he stated, showcasing his professionalism and team spirit. His determination to return stronger is evident: "I will come back, I have no doubt about that."

As Maddison watches the Euros from the sidelines, his support for his teammates remains unwavering. "I wish the boys all the best in Germany," he said, expressing his heartfelt wishes for their success. His camaraderie with the squad is clear, describing them as "an incredible group and guys I literally consider my best friends."

The road ahead for Maddison involves not only recovering his form but also proving his worth to both his club and country. His experiences and the resilience he demonstrates will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors. Fans and pundits alike will be keenly observing his journey, anticipating his return to the national squad and his continued impact in the Premier League.