James Maddison is seriously unlucky to be the odd one out at Tottenham following the latest batch of international call-ups.
While Dominic Solanke, back in the England fold for the first time in seven years, is among four Spurs forwards selected by their respective countries this month, Maddison is once again conspicuous by his absence.
And former England and Tottenham ace Darren Anderton believes that is harsh on the Three Lions midfielder, who has been in the international wilderness since being axed before last summer’s European Championships.
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The crucial lynchpin in Tottenham’s five-match winning streak, Maddison, on current form, is second only to Chelsea’s prolific Cole Palmer, according to Anderton - and therefore fully warrants a place in Lee Carsley’s squad.
The ex-White Hart Lane winger, capped 30 times by England from 1994 to 2001, declared: “I love watching him. Maddison has been outstanding in these fast few games, the real key for us.
“He should definitely be back in the England squad. He’s different class. Players should be picked on form and he’s right up there at this moment with the best - behind only Palmer, like everybody is!
“The way he plays is so entertaining, he’s always trying to make things happen in the final third, trying to create openings and opportunities for others. Maddison is that player for us.
“He can do it all. Whether it’s a shot, a cross from outside the box or a cute little pass inside the area. He’s a joy to watch.
“You can see the confidence in him now. He wants the ball off the back four, he plays all types of passes. And he also works hard. He’s a team player.”
If Maddison is pulling the strings for Ange Postecoglou’s side, no question it is Brennan Johnson, supported by £65million record summer signing Solanke and Swede Dejan Kulusevski, providing a ruthless cutting edge up front, one which was sorely missing earlier in the campaign.
Last month Wales winger Johnson decided to delete his Instagram account because of the vile abuse and criticism being aimed at him amid a patchy opening few months at the club.
And the 23-year-old former Nottingham Forest man has responded in fabulous fashion by rattling five goals in as many games for the red-hot North Londoners ahead of Sunday's trip to Brighton.
Anderton, a huge favourite on the flanks during more than a decade in N17, has nothing but praise and admiration for Johnson’s extraordinary transformation.
“I struggled when I came first to this club but never had to deal with something like that. It’s not nice. Nobody deserves that sort of thing,” said the former-Portsmouth, Birmingham and Bournemouth playmaker, 51.
“I’m so delighted he’s turned it around. He’s a young kid, at a new club, and there werethese questions about his final ball and decision making.
“But whenever I watch him, he’s so positive, always going beyond his marker.
“That’s horrible to play against and so refreshing for our centre forward Solanke. You need wingers like Brennan.”