James Maddison says his long wait for an England debut made it ‘all the sweeter’ as he made his bow in Thursday night’s 7-0 thrashing of Montenegro at Wembley.
The Three Lions marked their landmark 1,000th international by booking their place at next summer’s European Championship as Harry Kane fired a hat-trick in a convincing win.
Maddison was first called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad more than a year ago, and has sat through four matches as an unused substitute. He pulled out of the squad with illness during the last international break, only to spark controversy when he was spotted in a casino days later.
The in-form Leicester man finally won his first cap as a 56th minute replacement for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and told the BBC: "I've had to be a bit patient but that's because I've because of the quality in the squad. The manager's got options so I've had to wait over the course of a few camps but that made it all the more sweeter when I got out there tonight. It was a very special feeling.
"It was such a convincing, clinical performance, in the first half especially. The goals were flying in and I was sat on the bench itching to be part of it. Thankfully I got the nod off the manager and it's a moment I won't forget.
"Sometimes you have to take a step back and be proud. Representing your country is the pinnacle. I know my family were up there watching and I'll go up to see them now.”
