James Maddison Opens Up on Return From Injury & England Hopes in Candid Interview

21 November 2020 13:45

Leicester attacking midfielder James Maddison has claimed that there is a 'gap' in the England squad for him and hopes to make an impact soon on the international stage, but he is aware he will have to be patient.

Having now returned from injury, Maddison has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2020/21 season, with Brendan Rodgers slowly easing him back into the starting lineup. He has helped the Foxes make a flying start to the campaign, they currently sit top of the table ahead of a trip to take on Liverpool on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has now revealed that after his injury struggles towards the end of 2019/20, he wants to be the main man again and is looking to break back into the England setup. Despite the competition for places in the midfield area, Maddison has claimed that there is a gap for him to make his mark.

"I watch England now and I know there’s a gap for me," Maddison told Sportsmail. "I know I can go and make an impact on the international stage; it’s just about being patient.

"I’ve had a taste and I want more. Look at Jack Grealish - before the Belgium game he had never made a competitive start, and then he was the best player on the pitch. It’s about taking that chance and I know I’m capable. Hopefully it will come around soon."

Maddison has been impressive so far in 2020/21 | James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

The player further opened up on the 'dark days' during his road to recovery from injury, but now that he is back and playing some of his best football again, he is looking to become the main player that everyone involved with the game is talking about.

"So when you’re injured there are dark days," Maddison continued. "You sit in the changing room, just desperate to get back to your best level. What if I don’t come back the same player?

"Then you are forgotten about a little bit, other players are talked about [more than you] and you get pushed to the side. I like putting pressure on myself, I like to be the one people are talking about and analysing - almost like they have a ‘Player Cam’ on me.

Maddison has now put his injury problems behind him | James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

"I like to be the main player and I want people talking about James Maddison again. In the last few weeks I’ve felt as sharp as I have for a year and hopefully that can continue in the Premier League and in Europe."

Leicester travel to take on Liverpool on Sunday and Maddison will be looking to help the Foxes stay atop of the Premier League table. With a real confidence about them now, Maddison added that he can't see a reason why his side can't go to Anfield and come away with all three points.

Source: 90min