James Maddison discloses ‘desperate’ England World Cup ambition »

• James Maddison discloses ‘desperate’ England World Cup ambition.

James Maddison has disclosed that he is ‘desperate’ to make an impact with England at some point this World Cup.

After just making Gareth Southgate’s 26-man team, Maddison suffered an injury on the eve of the competition, and it was anticipated he might have to be replaced.

The midfielder has subsequently regained his fitness, but he is still one of the few England players who has not yet participated in a single World Cup minute.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Maddison insisted that while he is doing all he can to help his teammates off the pitch, he is itching to get some minutes and make a tangible contribution.

“Involvement is not always playing,” Maddison said. “That’s something I’ve learned in the last few weeks of being out here.

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“Of course, every player wants to play and I’m no different. I’m desperate to get out there and show what I can do. But it’s my first major tournament at senior level and it’s brilliant to be a part of.

“It’s such a learning curve and you gain so much experience without realising on a day-to-day basis, how it works and what it takes to be successful. And we have been successful so far. What a performance last night, a really convincing win against a good Senegal team in the knockouts.

“I’m feeling good, the injury’s gone, I’m feeling 100 per cent. I’ve been training for a while now and I’ve been available for the last couple of games. It’s just about staying patient and staying ready, which I am, working hard and trying to be an option for the manager if I’m needed.”

Maddison has only received one cap for England, joining the team late in a 7-0 victory over Montenegro in 2019.

With 11 goals and assists in the Premier League so far this season for Leicester, only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, and Kevin De Bruyne have a better total.