Chris Sutton believes James Maddison should not worry about landing England’s Euro 2024 spot despite his poor form for Tottenham, and has backed Ange Postecgolou after suffering four straight defeats.
Maddison began the season in excellent form under the Australian manager following his £42 million transfer from Leicester, as he contributed three goals and five assists in his first 12 games of the season, before suffering a long-term injury in November.
The 27-year-old returned in January, but hasn’t been the same player since, registering just one goal and two assists, without contributing any goals since March. As a result, Postecoglou has benched him for the last two games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
But despite fears that Maddison’s poor form will see him miss out on a place at Euro 2024 this summer, Sutton believes he still has enough quality to be included after the news that manager Gareth Southgate will be able to pick 26 players in place of 23.
Speaking on Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Sutton says the player should not “worry” about his inclusion, insisting he has given a “good response” since his manager sacked him.
James Maddison should not worry about Euro 2024 place despite poor form, says Chris Sutton
Sutton praised Maddison’s response since he was sacked by boss Ange Postecoglou
His podcast co-host Ian Ladyman said: ‘I think he’ll be sweating a little at home in England. And he could be one of those to benefit from UEFA’s initiative. Last week he ruled that there will be 26-man squads for the Euros instead of 23 because he might need to be in one of those last three places.
Sutton added: “That’s why he won’t be sweating.” I think you’re right about its shape.
“I don’t necessarily think many Spurs fans would have been surprised that he was ruled out. Nobody has a divine right to play if their form dips. His form dipped. And he actually turned up and it was a good response from him.
‘He didn’t sulk or throw his toys out of the pram and just came and trotted around. He made a difference and that’s what you have to do as a player. But he’s going to Germany, I’m absolutely sure of that.’
He believes Maddison will benefit from Gareth Southgate (R) being able to choose a bigger team.
Ladyman also asked Sutton what he thought of the recent pressure on Postecoglou after presiding over four consecutive defeats, and questions were asked about the coach’s tactics after seeing his team get picked apart on the counterattack, as well as looking vulnerable in the plays. a set piece. .
But the former Celtic striker, who has been a staunch supporter of Postecoglou, said the manager should be judged “fairly” throughout the season as he endured a difficult situation last summer.
“I always felt there would be obstacles along the way,” he said. ‘I thought that was natural. They, in many ways, exceeded his expectations early on under him. And then, as is the norm, everyone got on the bandwagon and let themselves go. They’ve had a bad run of late, but I think they have to be judged fairly throughout the season.
‘Tottenham played negative football. He came in and played with an expansive brand. Before they had Jeffrey Boycott and now they have Ian Botham with Postecoglou. And with that and with that come its risks.
Sutton also defended ‘insensitive’ Postecoglou after receiving criticism for his poor results.
“They have been ruthlessly exposed of late, but all season I think Tottenham fans should be happy with what they have seen.”
When asked what Postecoglou might be thinking after fans and pundits questioned his set-piece set-up and lack of a plan B, Sutton insisted he would “knock down” anyone who doubted.
“I think he has thick skin,” Sutton added. ‘I think she’ll just bulldoze through all of this. The only thing she cares about is the performance of her team. Performance is everything. Some of the comments she made were taken up by many people in the Champions League comments, not being the be all and end all.
“His entire coaching career has been about whether the team is performing well and the results will depend on that.” And that’s kind of his mantra. So in terms of set pieces, what he meant was that it was about the bigger picture. It wasn’t just about set pieces. It was about improving in all areas.
He backed the Australian to ‘sweep’ his way through criticism over tactics and set pieces.
Sutton said Spurs fans should be “careful” questioning Postecoglou after enduring poor football under his predecessors.
‘I think it just cuts the waffle. He can’t be bothered with that. He knows where he wants to go.
“If we analyze everything, this season at Tottenham has been a success. Tottenham is not a team that wins trophies. So we know what the Tottenham fans wanted. He has given them that.
“We are at a stage where I think Tottenham fans need to be a bit careful because what would be the alternative?”
“Now it’s about rebuilding and they’ve got someone who wants to rebuild and do it in a particular way and he’s not going to change, and the Tottenham fans know he’s not going to change, so if I were them I’d enjoy it.” the journey and just keep going.’