Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the performances of James Maddison and has backed his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Rodgers says he is no doubt Maddison will have impressed watching England boss Southgate in his side’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon, and will not be surprised if he gets the call.
England take on Bulgaria and Kosovo in Euro2020 qualifiers next month and Maddison, 22, turned in another classy display at Bramall Lane as Leicester secured their first win of the season.
Maddison set up Jamie Vardy for the striker’s first goal of the campaign and after Oli McBurnie had headed the Blades’ second-half equaliser, Foxes substitute Harvey Barnes crashed home a stunning winner.
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“There’s not too many players who can play the pass he (Maddison) made for the first goal,” Rodgers said. “His touch and his through ball were sensational. Jamie doesn’t even need a touch, it comes right into his path and he does what he does best, it was a wonderful finish. “He’s at a really high level this early in the season is James. He’s a player of quality and I’m sure Gareth will have been having a good look at him.”
The Sunday tabloids are also full of stories linking Maddison with a move to Manchester United, who want to link him up with Harry Maguire, and the rumours will continue to hot up if he continues to play like he did in Sheffield.
The Blades, beaten for the first time since winning promotion back to the top flight, had deserved to get back on terms through McBurnie’s excellent header.
But Barnes’ blistering half-volley settled it, six minutes after he had stepped off the bench to replace recent signing Dennis Praet. “Harvey’s a big talent,” Rodgers said. “He’s been great in training and he’s going to be a very important player for us.
“To come into the game and find that technique, after not being on for that long. He was a real threat when he came into the game. I’m sure they will show that on ‘Match of the Day’. I’ll look tonight, it was a brilliant strike.”
Leicester’s win lifted them up to third in the table following draws with Wolves and Chelsea in their opening two matches. “It was a great win for us,” Rodgers added. “Over the last couple of years they’ve had great momentum here Sheffield United. “It was a performance with good resilience. We showed good quality, but you’ve also got to show your mentality here.”
