‘Ludicrous’… Jeff Stelling left stunned after hearing stat about Tottenham star James Maddison

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Jeff Stelling has admitted he was stunned after hearing a statistic about Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison.

The presenter was speaking on talkSPORT this morning and admitted he simply can’t believe James Maddison has only earned five caps for England.

Maddison has recently returned from an ankle injury he picked up in early November. The 27-year-old grabbed an assist in the 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday and seems to be working his way back to full fitness. 

He was enjoying an incredible start to life at Tottenham before the injury, managing six goals and three assists in 11 appearances.

Maddison has worked his way into the England set-up over the past 18 months after previously struggling to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s squad.

And Jeff Stelling was shocked to learn the Englishman has only made five appearances for the Three Lions under Southgate.

Stelling shocked after hearing statistic about Maddison

Speaking on talkSPORT, Stelling admitted he was stunned to learn Maddison has managed just a handful of games for England.

“Well, he’s a certainty [to go to Euro 2024],” the presenter said. “He’s an absolute certainty. I think Gareth has been won over by him now.

“I tell you what, I can’t believe he’s 27 and he’s got five England caps. That is ludicrous! Ludicrous for a man of his abilities.

“He’s different, he’s creative, he is to use a taboo phrase on this show – different gravy.”

Maddison made his debut for England back in November 2019 but failed to make Southgate’s squad right up until the World Cup in 2022.

He’s since made four appearances for the Three Lions and you’d imagine his form at Spurs should earn him a place at Euro 2024.

Many would argue that Maddison deserves a place in the starting XI this summer after stepping up as Tottenham’s main man this term.

Much will depend on the midfielder’s form between now and the end of the season after his recent injury.