James Maddison has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, so I was not surprised to see the Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder start for England against Australia.
England took on Australia at Wembley Stadium in London in a friendly international on Friday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison started the match for the Three Lions.
The 26-year-old was taken off in the 73rd minute.
The Spurs star was deployed in the middle of a three-man attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Maddison did not have the best of games.
The playmaker struggled to find the final balls and was kept at bay by a very good Australia defensive unit.
Media ratings of Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison for England vs Australia
The London Evening Standard gave Maddison 6 out of 10 for his performance of England.
The report noted: “Not as effective as he has been for Tottenham, with his club manager Ange Postecoglou — the former Socceroos boss — watching on.
“His work rate is never in question.”
The Telegraph also rated Maddison 6 out of 10 and observed: “Guilty of a spectacular slice when a shot went for a throw-in but he could blame a bobble.
“Through-ball to Watkins in the first half set up a good chance.”
My View: James Maddison could have done better
In my opinion, James Maddison had a disappointing game for England against Australia.
But, I have to note that all players have bad matches.
Yes, of course, we all expected England to win against Australia to win at ease.
However, in international football, it does not always work out that way.
I believe that Maddison will bounce back from his disappointing display against Australia.
Maddison joined Tottenham from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
The Tottenham no. 10 has scored two goals and given five assists in eight Premier League matches this season.
