James Maddison: Glenn Hoddle says that Tottenham star is 'a must' for England at Euro 2024

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England manager Glenn Hoddle believes that James Maddison is “a must” for the national team based on his current form.

Maddison, 27, has played a starring role for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, registering three goals and five assists to help Spurs sit fourth in the table.

It has led to a number of calls for him to not only be included in the England squad for the European Championships in Germany this summer, but also to start.

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s thrilling 3-2 win over Brentford Hoddle was asked by fellow TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch whether he thought Maddison should be involved in the England setup.

“100% he’s good enough, yeah," said Hoddle.

“I’ve said for years that he should have come to Tottenham, two or three seasons ago. If we could have got him with the players we had, with someone like Harry Kane, it would have been sensational.

“And I just think at the moment he’s one of the best No. 10 creative players around. Him and [Manchester City star Phil] Foden are outstanding.”

Hoddle suggested, however, that Maddison may not feel as secure in the England setup, which could lead to his level dropping compared to his Spurs form.

“There are different style of players of course for England but he’s a must if we’re going to go there and really threaten in the Euros in the summer," he said.

“He’s such a talented lad. He doesn’t quite feel for me as comfortable in an England shirt yet. It doesn’t feel really as if the manager has put his arm around him, saying 'you’re my man'.

“He keeps having to prove himself, [and we] might not see the best of him in that case. But here at Tottenham, and what he did at Leicester, he’s a must, he’s a real talent.”

Spurs emerged triumphant on Wednesday evening at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with Maddison involved in a spicy row with Brentford’s Neal Maupay.

The Frenchman emulated Maddison’s famous darts celebration after scoring the opener, with the Spurs player having a few words with him after the celebration.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Maddison revealed what he told Maupay.

"I just said to him he probably hasn't scored enough goals of his own over the last few years to have his own celebration so you probably have to copy mine," he said.

"A short story - it ended well for us."

Having been out injured, Maddison also said he was thrilled that he was back on the pitch, adding that he thinks Spurs are capable of going “on a big run”.

"It was lovely to be back. When you're injured and you're starved of doing what you love, that just reminded me why I love football so much, just being out there tonight.

"The first half was a little bit stop-start, probably the game Brentford wanted. Lots of stoppages, set pieces, and then the second half I just think we had too much for them.

"We were cleaner with the ball, created a lot of chances, scored some goals and it's never simple and plain sailing here. There's a lot of goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but luckily [we got the] three points so I’m happy.

"Let’s not put a ceiling on it, let’s just keep going game by game, I think we've got 16 or 17 games left," he added.

"We can go on a big run. You can't put limits on it because then nothing special can ever happen. If you don't believe something special can happen, then nothing can ever happen.

"As long as you can look at yourself as a team after 38 games and say you gave everything then we'll see where we are at the end of it."

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