Alan Pardew wants 26-year-old Tottenham player starting for England at Euro 2024 now

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Alan Pardew wants Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison to start for England at next year’s Euros.

The former Newcastle boss has been speaking on talkSPORT and named James Maddison in his preferred starting XI. 

Maddison has starred for Tottenham this season after making the £40 million switch from Leicester City over the summer.

The 26-year-old had registered eight goal involvements in 11 Premier League appearances before picking up an ankle injury against Chelsea. 

He’s set for a spell on the sidelines until the new year now. But he was struggling to nail down a place in Gareth Southgate’s midfield, despite his brilliant form for Spurs.

Yet, Alan Pardew wants to see the Tottenham star start at Euro 2024 for England.

Pardew wants Maddison to start for England at Euro 2024

The former Newcastle manager wants to see Southgate use Maddison in midfield in Germany next year.

He said: “Rice, Bellingham, Maddison, Saka, Kane and I’d probably go with Grealish.

“This definitely wouldn’t be a Gareth team. Grealish, Maddison, Saka, Kane and Bellingham.” 

Southgate has been reluctant to use Maddison in midfield and has often pushed him out to the left-hand side. The England boss has preferred a midfield three of Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. 

He’s come under fire due to picking a more defensive midfield trio, with Jordan Henderson often used over the likes of Maddison.

We have to agree with Pardew’s comments on playing Maddison in his favoured position at next year’s tournament in Germany. 

Providing the Spurs star returns and makes a similar impact in the new year, he deserves a place in Southgate’s midfield.

England’s strengths lie with their attacking players and it would be a shame to see Southgate opt for a more defensive approach.