After James Maddison was revealed to be starting in Sunday’s game against Ukraine, England fans are filled with excitement about Gareth Southgate’s team selection.
Despite constant criticism of Southgate’s squad and team choices, Jack Grealish’s reputation in England grew as he became a key player after being initially overlooked by the manager.
Southgate faced a recent backlash for starting Kalvin Phillips in the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
Despite being out of match practice, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips performed well in the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, resulting in England’s victory and Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal.
This Sunday, the national team will return to Wembley for their second qualifier against Ukraine, marking their first appearance at the stadium since before the World Cup. While manager Gareth Southgate may have considered maintaining the same starting lineup from the previous game, except for the suspended Luke Shaw, it is unlikely to be the case.
According to Sky Sports, Leicester City attacking midfielder Maddison is set to finally get his first start as an England player, after making his debut off the bench.
James Maddison is expected to make his first start for England against Ukraine – with the Leicester City playmaker set to line up on the left wing 🏴 pic.twitter.com/YxMzUm52lY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 26, 2023
“Long time coming. No doubt he is going to impress. Madas and Saka on the right! It’s going to be a good one,” said one hopeful fan.
“FINALLY, now the world will understand why Leicester loves him and value him as one of the best players in the Premier League,” added a second.
“At last class player, good luck England,” replied a third.
One very happy supporter tweeted, “My first time seeing them live and Maddison is starting,” before adding some love eyes emojis.
Another shouted, “MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED PLS LET THIS BE TRUE.”
And a sixth could barely believe it, questioning, “Are you sure have you been hacked?”
Jack Grealish was the first exciting attacking player to emerge for England, followed by James Maddison.
Maddison was absent from the national team for three years before being selected for the World Cup squad, but an injury prevented him from playing in any games in Qatar.
His sole appearance for England was as a substitute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a Euro 2020 qualifying game against Montenegro.
While many fans were excited about Maddison’s selection for the Ukraine game, some criticized Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him on the left instead of his more familiar position as a number 10.