James Maddison misses England training on eve of World Cup opener with Iran

James Maddison appears to be a major doubt for England’s World Cup opener after missing training on the eve of the Iran clash.

Gareth Southgate’s side kick-off Group B at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Maddison was the only player absent from training at England’s Al Wakrah Sports Complex base on Sunday afternoon.

Maddison went off in the first half of Leicester’s win against West Ham last weekend with a knee complaint but said scans on the issue were fine.

“It’s OK,” Maddison said on Wednesday. “We had a scan the day before we met up.

“It was a positive scan. It wasn’t any major problems. I have to do a bit of work to get up to speed with the physios here but it should be no concern.”

Kyle Walker, right, took part in the session
Kyle Walker, right, took part in the session (Peter Byrne/PA)

“We’ve got to tick a few boxes with the physio team, there might be a bit of separate work, extra work to make sure it’s right and not a problem because I want to be fully, 100 per cent if called upon. I’m hopeful I will be fine.”

England’s remaining 25 players trained, including Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips as they work their way back to full fitness.

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