Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has expressed his support for James Maddison to earn a recall to the England squad and is also excited by the potential of Dominic Solanke, who could be in consideration for a call-up this week.
Maddison, who was notably absent from Lee Carsley’s first England squad in September, has been in excellent form for Spurs, putting himself back in contention as the interim head coach prepares to name his second squad on Thursday. Meanwhile, Solanke, who earned his lone England cap back in 2017, has been making a strong case for a return after missing out during Gareth Southgate’s tenure, despite his performances for Bournemouth last season.
“I think Madders has been outstanding so far this year,” Postecoglou told reporters ahead of Spurs’ Europa League game against Ferencvaros in Hungary. “His form from the first game has been really strong physically. I’ve said a few times that he’s back at the levels where he can play in the manner he wants to and do everything he wants in a game.”
In recent weeks, Maddison has been directly involved in goals and assists, further boosting his case for an England recall. Postecoglou is confident that Maddison’s continued form will keep him in the conversation for future England squads. “I’m sure if he continues in that vein, he will be in the conversation for England squads moving forward.”
Turning his attention to Solanke, Postecoglou praised the summer signing’s impact since overcoming an ankle injury that saw him miss two games. Solanke has been in impressive form, scoring in three consecutive games against Brentford, Qarabag, and Manchester United.
“We didn’t sign Dom until late in the window and he was really keen to get his Tottenham career up and running as quickly as possible,” Postecoglou said. “He got injured really early in the game at Leicester and then proceeded to miss a couple of games, so it’s probably been a little bit frustrating. But I knew what we were bringing to the football club. I was really confident that the way we play and his attributes would make him a great fit.”
Postecoglou noted that Solanke’s fitness is improving, and he is becoming a key figure in Tottenham’s attack. “It’s a demanding role up front for us. It’s not just about goals, it’s about his link-up play and pressing. We’ve put a fair amount of workload on him, even though he’s missed a couple of games. I think he’s in great condition; he’s already made a big impact at our football club, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead and the potential he has.”
When asked if Solanke was fit enough for England’s upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finland, Postecoglou was clear. “There are no issues around him from a physical perspective. I get enough stick for my own selections, mate, so I am not going to get involved in anyone else’s selections, but yeah, Dom is fine.”
As for team news, Postecoglou will be without left-back Destiny Udogie in Hungary after he picked up a knock in the 3-0 win over Manchester United. Radu Dragusin is suspended, while full-backs Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon have not been included in the European squad. Teenager Archie Gray is set to deputize in defense, either at center-half or right-back.
“Archie can play centre-back,” Postecoglou noted. “He’s obviously played full-back, played midfield, played probably left-back. He’s a pretty versatile player and that’s one of the reasons we were really excited to bring him to the club.”
Forwards Heung-min Son, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison remain sidelined, while teenager Mikey Moore is pushing for a first start.
