Brendan Rodgers believes James Maddison's "consistency and talent" are what swung Gareth Southgate's decision to call the Leicester midfielder up to his England World Cup squad.
Maddison, 25, has not featured for the Three Lions since his solitary cap three years ago in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Montenegro. His only other call-up to an England squad ended with his withdrawal due to illness, before he was later seen visiting a casino - an incident which did not reflect well on him with Southgate.
But his latest form for Leicester has not gone unnoticed, with Southgate admitting when announcing his squad that the decision to include Maddison was made "weeks ago". Maddison was not informed of his call-up until the morning of the announcement, after he had already spoken to Rodgers, and was preparing for the worst.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Foxes' boss Rodgers said: "It's wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here at Leicester. I'm also delighted for Gareth Southgate from a coaching perspective to have that talent available in what is such a great tournament.
"I think his level of consistency and talent and what he's proven over these last few years has swung that decision for him. He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League, so I’m really delighted for him and obviously all of his team-mates because without them it's also difficult to play at the level he's been playing at."
Rodgers then divulged details of his conversation with Maddison, stating: "When I spoke to him this morning, we were just anticipating either way, [if he was in or not] but the message was, whether you get the decision or not, to keep progressing and developing. He’s got that mentality. It’s great for him and his country."
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Asked on Maddison's chances of featuring for England amidst a squad littered with talent, including Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden, Rodgers replied: "When he gets there you just never know what happens in a World Cup sometimes, it's an opportunity off the pitch as well to show his whole package. There are other top players there but he’s in the mix and I'm delighted for him."
Southgate was facing increasing pressure to include Maddison in his 26-man contingent for the tournament, while Southampton's James Ward-Prowse and Manchester United's Jadon Sancho were among those to miss out. Talking at his press conference about Maddison, Southgate said: "Look, he’s a good player. We’ve always said he's a good player.
"I spoke to James this morning. There was a lot of speculation and we decided a couple of weeks ago he would be in the squad. He was delighted.
"He's playing really well. He's earned the right. We think he can give us something different to the various attacking players we've got."
Southgate was in the stands recently to cast an eye over Maddison, whose performances have seen him contribute six goals and four assists for Leicester this season, despite their disappointing start. Discussing his return to the international fold, Southgate added: "At various stages there have been conversations about James. There’s been moments where ahead of the Euros I don’t think he was in contention and (in) September was probably a fair debate.
"But I think he’s playing as well as any of the attacking players in this country.”
Gary Lineker was among those to urge Southgate to select Maddison for the World Cup and reacted to the news on Twitter, writing: "Maddison is the best example of forcing yourself into a squad at the very last, by the sheer brilliance of your performances.”
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