Graeme Souness references Tottenham Hotspur star in bizarre Jude Bellingham rant

Graeme Souness has insisted Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison is ‘far better’ than England team-mate Jude Bellingham in certain aspects of the game - but believes the duo can play together in Gareth Southgate’s midfield.

Former Leicester City star Maddison has made a major impact since joining Spurs in a reported £40m move during the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has already scored two goals and provided two assists in four appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side and has established himself as a key player for the new Spurs boss.

Maddison earned his fourth England cap on Saturday night when he started on the left-hand side of a front three in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine. However, he was named among the substitutes for Tuesday night’s friendly clash with Scotland - and Souness has stressed England manager Southgate should ‘have a right go’ by starting Maddison in midfield alongside Bellingham.

“We talk about midfield, and that’s my specialist subject, two holding midfield players? I’m an enormous fan of James Maddison, I think there’s room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield.

“A few years ago, going back to the Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, the golden generation, I think these are as well. This is a team that should be winning trophies, I really do. If you look at Maddison’s numbers, his stats, scoring goals and creating chances, you compare him with Bellingham, he out-shoots Bellingham all over the park, he’s far better than Bellingham at creating chances and scoring goals.

“And yet he’s choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid - but I’ll also say there’s room for both of them in this midfield. I think this England team that I watch, frustrates me slightly because they’re playing with the handbrake on. I’d like to see them have a right go. I hope they don’t do it tonight, but I think they are capable of more than they’re showing.”