Brendan Rodgers thinks James Maddison should be in the England squad and is on par with Mason Mount and Phil Foden.
Maddison sent a message to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate with a masterclass on Monday night with two goals and an assist for Leicester.
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Maddison scored twice for Leicester in a brilliant performance
He was the star of the show in a 4-0 victory that lifted the Foxes from the bottom of the table.
In what has been a dismal start to the season for Rodgers’ side, the 25-year-old has been a lone shining spark.
There was some surprise that Maddison wasn’t named in Southgate’s latest England squad, but with the World Cup just weeks away he makes a strong case.
When asked if he was surprised not to make the England squad, Rodgers replied: “Yeah. I can only imagine how difficult it is for Gareth with so many good players.
“James has shown and proven that he’s up there with the best talent. To have someone like that, even if he’s not playing, on the bench who can come and bring that personality.
“If he was playing in front of 150,000 people, he would be exactly the same. If you’ve ever been stuck in the game, he can come along and be a game changer.
Foden will be one of England’s stars at the World Cup
Mount’s place for Qatar is in no doubt
“It’s difficult because there are so many good players. I have great respect for youngsters like Mason Mount, who is a top player, and Phil Foden is amazing. He is at this level, there is absolutely no doubt about it.
“Hopefully by the time the team is chosen, they can find a way to add a talent like that.”
Since the start of last season Maddison has been directly involved in 27 Premier League goals (17 goals, 10 assists), the second most of any England player at the time (Harry Kane on 34)
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is second closest with a tally of 23 (12 goals and 11 assists).
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Southgate’s caps have come under scrutiny in recent weeks and not taking Maddison to Qatar could come back to haunt him
Foden has 14 goals and seven assists, while Mount has 11 goals and 10 assists.
When asked his opinion on being left out of the squad, Maddison told Sky Sports: “It has been a bit of a strange position for us as we have been bottom of the league and the results don’t go our way.
“I was almost as confident as I’ve ever been in my career. I can’t remember playing better in the last 12 months or feeling as good as I did.
“It’s hard to answer because you don’t want to say the right thing or the wrong thing. This is an ambition and a goal for me.
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Maddison thinks he can make an impact for England
“I’m a footballer and I watch every game, I watch international football. An opportunity at this level would be something I desire and I know I would have an impact and I hope it comes at some point. .
