James Maddison set to MISS England’s clash vs USA with Leicester star fighting to save World Cup 2022 dream with injury
JAMES MADDISON is set to MISS England's second World Cup game against USA.
The Leicester star, 26, sat out of the 6-2 thrashing against Iran on Monday with an injury.
Playmaker Maddison is still getting over a knee problem he picked up in the final Premier League game before the World Cup.
He has not taken part in team training since England landed in Qatar last week.
Maddison remains on a personal training programme and will miss tomorrow's clash against USA.
And he could also be unavailable for the final group match against Wales on Monday.
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But, despite being unable to join team training, Maddison remains in good spirits.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said on the midfielder: "He was doing a bit of a programme with the physios and sport-science staff.
"His morale is brilliant, he is a great lad Madders and is always full of energy so is good around the place and I think he’ll be looking to train soon.”
Boss Gareth Southgate may even wait until the knockout stages to unleash Maddison with the Three Lions in a strong position to qualify after Monday's result.
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Being able to take a squad of 26 to the tournament means the gaffer is blessed with alternative options.
While Maddison will not feature tomorrow against the Americans, captain Harry Kane did train with the squad yesterday to ease concerns over an ankle problem.
Kane, 29, was sent for scans after he picked up a knock against Iran.
But Pickford said on the skipper: "I think he is good, probably just a little bit sore.
"I’m sure he is fine, he was out on the grass with us today which is good. He is our captain."
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Three points against the Americans would seal qualification to the knockouts with a game to spare.
And if Wales beat Iran, Monday's game against the Dragons would be a shootout for top spot in Group B.
