Rio Ferdinand praises Leicester’s James Maddison ahead of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup decision

Rio Ferdinand praised James Maddison amid suggestions the Leicester star should be included in England’s World Cup squad.

Maddison only has one cap for England, which came in 2019, but his form in the early stages of this season could make it difficult for Gareth Southgate to ignore him.

In Saturday’s game against Manchester City, Maddison had scored six goals and provided two assists in ten league games this season.

Ferdinand suggested Maddison is not guaranteed to be involved in Qatar World Cup

Ferdinand described Maddison’s stats as ‘frightening’ but suggested he is not guaranteed to be involved in the World Cup, especially with Jack Grealish also in the fray.

Ferdinand said of BT Sport: “There is no doubt that Maddison is in top form, his numbers are frightening. Pep said Maddison is on top form. They are both talented. Sometimes the most talented players don’t get time on the field.’

England boss Gareth Southgate has some tough decisions to make ahead of the World Cup

Joe Cole admitted it is extremely difficult to decide between Maddison and Grealish. The pair faced each other on Saturday when Leicester took on Manchester City, with Cole suggesting that England should at all times assemble two of Maddison, Grealish, Mason Mount and Phil Foden to make the most of the creative options open to were at their disposal.

Cole added that Maddison and Grealish “handle the ball as well as anyone in world football.”

Joe Cole says England must play Maddison’s two, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount at all times

Cole said, “It’s like choosing between your kids. I love them both. When playing for England, these players were given too few opportunities. We screamed for players who can handle the ball when the pressure is on.

“At least two of Grealish, Mount, Foden and Maddison should be on the field at all times to improve us as a country. These two (Grealish and Maddison) can handle the ball as well as anyone in world football.”

Compared to Maddison, Grealish’s stats aren’t that impressive. For this weekend, Grealish had just one league goal and no assists.

However, Ferdinand suggested that stats are not that important to Grealish as he plays the way City manager Pep Guardiola wants him to.

Ferdinand said, ‘Has Grealish done enough statistics? I don’t think that matters to him. Pep wants him to get to the ball and draw players to him. He is valued and respected within the club.’

Rio Ferdinand suggested Grealish impress despite not having the best stats

Joleon Lescott suggested that Grealish, who has been capped 24 times by England, is more used to acting as a substitute than Grealish, which could be a key factor when Southgate selects his team.

Lescott said, “It comes down to the price tag. He was valuable to Villa because without him they won’t stay in the Premier League. I don’t think it’s about skills – Grealish is probably more used to coming on as a sub, can Maddison do that? Maddison is the best free-kick taker, but when Kane is on the pitch, he doesn’t take a free kick.’

England must submit their final roster for the tournament on November 14.