The 'other reasons' behind James Maddison’s England squad omission

James Maddison hasn’t been selected by Gareth Southgate for the latest England squad due to his lack of physicality, according to pundit Trevor Sinclair.

The Leicester City midfielder was named as the club’s player of the season for 2021/22 last month after impressing in the Premier League. It was hoped that his club form would lead to a recall to the national team.

Maddison hasn’t had a call to the Three Lions squad since making his one and only appearance in November 2019, due to a lack of fitness and a downturn in form. After scoring a career high 18 goals and providing a further 12 assists this season, it led to questions being asked over why he didn’t get a call-up alongside City teammate James Justin.

Speaking after the squad announcement, Southgate explained that competition in attacking midfield within the England squad was the reason behind Maddison’s omission in the latest squad. However, Sinclair believes that there may be another footballing reason behind him being overlooked, hinting at City’s defensive struggles this season.

“I think there were other reasons he wasn’t selected for England. In possession and going forward, you’ve just mentioned his stats there - outstanding,” Sinclair told TalkSPORT.

“I think he struggles with his physicality a little bit out of possession. So he puts everything into going forward and in possession work and then when the ball is turned over in transition, he can’t help the team.

“Now, if you’ve got him, and then you’ve got players who are not committed to the cause potentially behind that, who want to leave the club, not naming any names, all of a sudden the centre of your team, when you lose the ball, you’re wide open.”

One City player who did get a maiden call-up this