England have long used Tottenham Hotspur’s high-quality facilities to prepare for matches, although they do not use the stadium for actual matches.
In the past, James Maddison has always used Tottenham’s training ground or complex as a Leicester City player.
But now obviously he is not a Spurs player, but one of the club’s most important players following his summer transfer.
The 26-year-old could not hide his excitement at using Tottenham’s training complex in recent days as Gareth Southgate’s side prepared for their Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
England’s official YouTube channel provided inside access to the players’ preparations, including preparations and post-match reactions to the 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
James Maddison was seen entering the Spurs complex with bags in hand and the biggest smile on his face when the camera caught him saying: “It’s a blunder, isn’t it? “
Will James Maddison start against Italy?
Gareth Southgate made a number of changes for the 1-0 win over Australia, with big batsmen including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice all rested.
Given that Maddison was in the starting XI on Friday, this likely suggests that the playmaker will start on the bench against the European champions.
But in truth, it would be great to see him in the starting XI tonight, as a Maddison-Rice-Bellingham midfield three would be a joy to watch.
‘Huge regret’ after Tottenham transfer stalled – Spurs have clear path to January signing – Sport Witness
During the last window, Turkey claimed that Tottenham Hotspur had expressed keen interest in signing Victor Nelsson from Galatasaray.
It was also stated that the defender was keen to join the north London club and was unhappy with his side’s decision to reject their offer.
Fast forward to October and Haber7 provides some insight into Tottenham’s efforts to sign the 24-year-old.
It is claimed that Spurs and Sevilla offered around €20 million, but the Turkish champions rejected the offer at the request of their manager Okan Buruk.
The Denmark international has made 13 appearances this season [five in Champions League qualifying] and has only been used as a substitute in the last three games.
Last week, the central defender expressed his dissatisfaction with his current situation and also insisted that he would not sign a new contract with Galatasaray.
Haber7 now states that Buruk “regrets very much” that Nelsson did not move to Tottenham or Sevilla this summer, and the coach has admitted this to those close to him.
On September 30, Akşam reported that Ange Postecoglou’s team were still interested in signing the Dane. Buruk is expected to give the green light to sell the defender in the coming windows.