World Cup

James Maddison misses England training again

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 18 November 2022

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison misses England training for the second day in a row as the Three Lions gear up for their World Cup opener with Iran on Monday.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison was once again absent from England training on Friday as the Three Lions look ahead to their World Cup 2022 opener with Iran on Monday.

The 25-year-old was not pictured in Thursday's training session, having suffered an injury scare during Leicester's final pre-World Cup game against West Ham United.

Maddison came off holding his leg in that 2-0 win, but he immediately played down concerns of a serious issue before linking up with the team at St George's Park.

The midfielder's absence from practice on Thursday was attributed to load management, and he was seen coming out onto the pitch with his teammates on Friday morning.

However, Maddison then headed straight back down the tunnel to continue his individual treatment, further raising fears about his availability for Monday's clash.

England's Kyle Walker, James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Conor Gallagher during training on November 16, 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, a report from the Evening Standard states that England remain optimistic about Maddison's chances of shaking off the issue in time for their World Cup opener.

While the Leicester man was absent on Friday, Gareth Southgate had the rest of his 26-man squad out on the practice pitch, including Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips.

The Manchester City pair have been stepping up their recoveries from groin and shoulder surgery respectively, with Phillips playing in Man City's final pre-World Cup game versus Brentford.

However, Walker has admitted that he is unlikely to make the cut for the opening game and will instead target a comeback when England face the USA in their second game next Friday.

"I think probably the first game is too short, but from then onwards I will be good and ready to go," the right-back recently told ITV Football.

England's Kieran Trippier, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker with teammates during training on November 16, 2022 © Reuters

"It was an operation I had and it was touch and go, but that's full credit to the physios here and also at Man City for getting me back fit and healthy.

"I was never worried. I always have to believe in myself. As soon as the professor said I needed the surgery, I was very confident that I made sure I prepared right, on and off the field, and did the right things correctly and moving forward I knew I would be alright."

With Walker absent, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White will battle to start on the right-hand side of the backline for England against Team Melli.

Prior to England's opening game of the tournament, the World Cup will kick off with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador on Sunday afternoon in Group A at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Beer was initially expected to be served within select areas of stadiums in Qatar, but on Friday morning - just two days before the start of the tournament - FIFA performed a U-turn and announced that no alcohol would be sold at grounds.