‘Dreams do come true,’ says James Maddison, who celebrates his call-up to England’s World Cup squad with a throwback photo of himself as a young fan proudly wearing a Three Lions shirt and face paint.
James Maddison celebrated his World Cup call-up by uploading a flashback photo of himself in England face paint.
Despite his brilliant season with Leicester, the midfielder, 25, was initially thought to be in danger of losing out on a plane ticket to Qatar, but his form has been rewarded by Gareth Southgate.
Addison has forced his way back into the England set-up nearly three years on from his one and only senior cap, which came in the 7-0 win over Montenegro.
He was selected for the 26-man squad ahead of Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney, Jadon Sancho, and Tammy Abraham.
And to celebrate his selection, Maddison shared a throwback picture of him as a young fan donning Three Lions face paint.
He tweeted: “It hasn’t sunk in… I’m going to The World Cup. Dreams really do come true.”
England fans have expressed their delight at James Maddison’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup.
It hasn’t sunk in… I’m going to The World Cup😭 Dreams really do come true😢🏴🏆 pic.twitter.com/DeKTECv3XT
— James Maddison (@Madders10) November 10, 2022
Maddison has impressed with six goals and four assists in the league for Leicester this season but has frequently been overlooked by Southgate for past England squads.
However, the 25-year-old, who has one England cap, will be heading to Qatar
One fan wrote: ‘Southgate finally picked Maddison!! Get in!!! It’s Coming Home!!!’.
Another Twitter user suggested that Maddison should be starting for England.
They wrote: ‘Increasingly of the opinion that James Maddison should be starting for England. Glad he’s on the plane either way, what an asset to have!’
