James Maddison has not been called up to England’s squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League next month.
Lee Carsley is the new England interim manager, stepping up from his role as England U21 manager to (at least) temporarily replace the departed Gareth Southgate, did not include Maddison in his first squad that was announced at 2 pm BST on Thursday.
Maddison was not included in England’s squad for the European Championships, despite being named in the preliminary squad. The Spurs midfielder admitted his form had not been what he was hoping for post-injury, but said he thought he “offered something different” to his counterparts that were selected.
It has been a positive start to the 24/25 season for Maddison, registering an assist in both of Tottenham’s opening two games, with a curling cross for Porro against Leicester and a pinpoint corner for Romero against Everton.
However, these assists and his general positive performances have not been enough to persuade Carsley to call him up to his maiden squad in charge of England. In general, Carsley went with a youthful squad, picking up several uncapped players who played for him in the U21 side.
Tottenham star once again snubbed for international duty
Those names include Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, and fatally for Maddison – Morgan Gibbs-White. Carsley picked the Nottingham Forest midfielder who was so integral to the U21 European Championship win under Carsley in 2023, at the expense of Maddison.
Of course, it is just the first squad, and as touched on above, Carsley has done plenty of experimenting. A concern for Maddison, however, is that Jude Bellingham is missing from selection due to injury, and if he doesn’t get called up when Bellingham isn’t available, it’ll be extremely hard to be picked when he is back from injury.
Selfishly, it is good for Spurs that there will be no risk of Maddison getting injured on international break, and can be fully fresh and ready for the tough schedule that really starts to intensify towards the end of September.
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Giovani Lo Celso is believed to be on his way out of Tottenham. While the transfer has been a long time coming, the player has every right to feel frustrated, given Ange Postecoglou’s false promises.
In case you are not aware, Giovani Lo Celso is still a Tottenham Hotspur player. I know, it’s hard to believe considering he is so far down the pecking order that he might have a nose bleed.
In many ways, it was a surprise that the Argentina midfielder even lasted the 2023/24 season, considering he was linked with a move away in 2023. But alas, this is the situation Spurs find themselves in.
But what role does Ange Postecoglou have to play in Giovani Lo Celso’s shortcomings?
Ange Postecoglou made false promises, now Tottenham star will leave
Well, according to a report from Estadio Deportivo, Giovani Lo Celso should have been sold in 2023. However, the Argentine believed false promises from Ange Postecoglou that he would get more game time last season.
In his own words (translated from Spanish to English), journalist Oscar Murillo said: “Giovani Lo Celso’s time at Tottenham is more than over.”
Murillo continued: “In fact, [Lo Celso] should have left last summer, but he believed Ange Postecoglou’s promise that he would get more minutes. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Australian did not even give him 600 minutes.”
Spanish media is known to be straightforward and critical. However, given that Lo Celso is respected in Spain and this is likely where he will return, the Spanish media’s perception is worth viewing.
At Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou is held in high regard. This is understandable, given the progress Spurs have shown under his mentorship. However, like every human, he isn’t without his flaws.
Should Ange Postecoglou be blamed for not fulfilling his promise to Giovani Lo Celso? No, definitely not; he cannot be blamed for the trajectory of the season requiring more than Lo Celso.
It must be taken into account that Ange Postecoglou was new to English football at the time of this promise being made. He was likely overwhelmed with players requiring more game time and he may have honestly believed that handing Giovani Lo Celso more game time was a reasonable option.
So, there should be no harsh feelings here. Hopefully, Giovani Lo Celso gets his wish and secures more game time. It’s a shame it didn’t work out for him in North London.
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