James Maddison says he holds no grudge against Gareth Southgate for omitting him from England’s Euro 2024 squad. The Tottenham midfielder said he has used the disappointment from missing out as fuel to ensure he is back to his best this season. “I struggled to find the consistency second half of last season post injury,” he said.
“It’s always about how you deal with setbacks. I was devastated to miss out on the Euros but my network around me, my dad especially, he would never let me dwell on that and let it define me. I’m hungry this season to do well, to use it as motivation, to remind me that I can be at that level.”
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The 27-year-old, who started in Tottenham’s opening 1-1 draw at his former club Leicester on Monday, told Sky Sports he had to accept Southgate’s decision. He said: “You have no choice. You can’t change it once it’s happened. I was disappointed. Gareth’s a great man though. He explained his reasons. It was never personal, we have a great relationship.
“I messaged him not long ago to congratulate him on his England managerial career and wished him well. There’s no hatred towards that. I knew it was a business decision, which he thought was best for the team, no doubt about that.
“I didn’t agree with him. I felt I could have brought something to the squad, but that’s all in the past now and my focus is to just have a good season.”
Maddison made an impressive start to last season after his £40m move from Leicester but struggled to find top form after an ankle injury in November ruled him out for more than two months.
