James Maddison is hoping for a “fresh start” with new England manager Thomas Tuchel after chatting with the German coach ahead of naming his first squad.
Tottenham midfielder Maddison last featured for the Three Lions in March last year and was one of the high-profile players to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad after an underwhelming end to the campaign for Spurs.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a quietly impressive season despite Tottenham’s underwhelming league position, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists.
Tuchel will name his first squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia on Friday and Maddison says the former Chelsea boss has already reached out to him and a number of other squad hopefuls.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the seven-cap international said: “Yeah, we had a chat. He’s England manager, I think he would be speaking to everyone who’s in possible call-up selection.
“It’s tough to reflect on personal [ambitions] when a team’s not doing well, because you can score and if you lose the game it’s worthless. I’ve got 10 goals this season but I want it to be worth more because it’s a good return for a midfielder, I’m happy with that return.
🗣️ “It’s very cheap to go and sit and talk and criticise.”
James Maddison says he is focusing on the positives 🧠 pic.twitter.com/U9gzo3Jg00
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 12, 2025
“When you start the season you look as an attacking midfielder, your job is to score and create for the team and goals and assists is a big thing about that.
“But ultimately, if it leads to the team finishing mid-table and it’s not going deep in the Europa League then it’s kind of worthless. Of course, England is another thing that I have ambition for.
“Fresh manager, fresh start, I know I can play at that level, I have the self-belief to do that, play against these players every week in the Premier League and I know I can be at that level and beyond, so ambitious for it all.”
England face Albania next Friday before Latvia the following the Monday as they get their World Cup qualification campaign underway.
