Former Norwich City midfielder James Maddison must be in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar. 

That’s the verdict of fellow ex-Canary Tim Sherwood, who believes the 25-year-old's recent Leicester form should have played him into the final 26-man squad, which is due to be named on Thursday. 

The Canaries would be due a pay-out if Maddison makes a competitive appearance for England as part of the terms of the £24m deal that took him to the Foxes in 2018.  

“Maddison – can’t do anymore than what he’s doing,” said Sherwood. “I admire him as when Leicester were poor, he was the one shining light they had.  

“He showed a lot of character and knuckled down during that period so he’s just unfortunate as there are so many good players in his position. But I do think Maddison should be on the plane – I really do.” 

Maddison assisted both Leicester’s goals in their 2-0 win over Everton at the weekend and the former Coventry man admitted he’s desperate to play for his country. 

“It’s a tough one to talk about,” Maddison admitted to Sky Sports. 

“I’ve got the mindset of working hard to try and get back in because playing for your country and representing England is obviously the pinnacle, you’ll have interviewed loads of the lads from the squad and stuff. 

The Pink Un:

“Seeing the lads and the experiences they’ve had playing for their country, that’s what I want, what I’m greedy for, what I’m hungry for. 

“I can only keep doing what I’m doing and try to catch the eye of the England manager by scoring and working hard. That’s stuff I have been doing and think I have been doing well. It’s up to him if he wants to pick me or not.” 

Maddison has previously found himself in hot water with England, being pictured leaving a casino after he withdrew from an England squad in 2019. Southgate highlighted how the player needed to accept greater responsibility if he wanted to represent his country. 

However, Rodgers believes the stories surrounding Maddison are counting against his star man. 

“This is a game where people will create a narrative and spin stories around a certain player. That has been created with him,” said the Foxes boss. 

“He’s a young guy who has played in the lower leagues and has come into the highest level. 

“He might have a Louis Vuitton bag, but he loves football. He made some mistakes that he would admit as well. 

“He’s had one cap, so he’s already of a mindset and an anticipation like he has been when he hasn’t been in squads. 

“We’ve spoken a lot about it, and if it’s not to be for him, he’ll have some time with his family and then he’ll push even harder when we return. 

“Naturally he would be disappointed. For James, I don’t have any doubt whatsoever that he will consistently play at that level.”