Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has told Gareth Southgate to start James Maddison instead of Mason Mount for England at the World Cup. The Three Lions have a wealth of attacking options to guide the side into the latter stages of the tournament, with the Leicester City star and Chelsea midfielder are vying for the same position.
Maddison has enjoyed a great vein of form recently, directly contributing towards eights goals in his previous eight Premier League displays. His impressive performances have finally warranted a call-up having not featured for his country since making his debut in November 2019.
The 25-year-old featured off the bench in a European qualifier against Montenegro. England won 7-0 with just one of which coming when Maddison was on the field.
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Mount, on the other hand, has struggled for form this season. The Cobham graduate has featured 12 times for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards four goals.
While the change of management hasn't helped Mount's cause, Maddison has outshone the Blues midfielder in recent weeks. And, for that reason, Walcott has told Southgate to pick his England squad accordingly.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Arsenal forward claimed that the Foxes talisman deserves a place in the starting XI alongside Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Gunners starlet Bukayo Saka. Walcott said: "It’s got to be Saka, Kane and… Sterling. He’s always done so well in and England shirt.
"I know there are players in form like Rashford and people like this. You could try them, but in the first game you want to have people with experience in tournament football.
"I know Saka's a bit more inexperienced, but he’s top quality and I’d play Maddison behind Kane. I’m a big fan of him so I’m so pleased he’s gone."
Walcott was then asked what his ideal backline would be. The 33-year-old opted for a back-four and decided to start Arsenal star Ben White.
"Kyle’s not fit for the first game, so for the back four I’d go Kieran Trippier on the right," he said. "He’s been absolutely fantastic.
"I know Trent’s at Liverpool and he’s an incredible talent, but I’ll go Trippier. I just feel that he’s a leader back there. I’d probably go with John Stones and at left-back, Luke Shaw and then I would probably play someone like Ben White.
"My reason is that he’s at the top of the league and is so confident right now. He’s in the England squad and he deserves to be. He can play on the right-hand side, but he’s a very good centre back and he’s got pace.
"I feel like we need pace at the back, especially when you get further in the tournament with the quality players that you’re going to be playing against says it all."
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