Maddison ‘mistake’ over spin to casino

BRENDAN RODGERS admits James Maddison made a mistake with his visit to a casino – even though he was watching England play.

Uncapped Leicester star Maddison came under fire after being pictured sitting at a casino table after pulling out of the England squad with flu.

Maddison, 22, was spotted playing poker on the night the Three Lions were losing last Friday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in the Czech Republic.

Foxes boss Rodgers (below) said: “He will learn from his mistake.

“It is maybe the first blow he has had coming through as a young player.

“The last thing James will want to do is bring any hurt on himself or his family. He made not one of his better decisions. His dad taught him to play poker when he was younger.

“His parents weren’t there because they went to Prague hoping to see him play.

“He was sat at home on his own and decided for the second half he would watch the game at a casino on his own. He knows in hindsight he made a mistake.

“But if you know him, you know he is not going to sit in the casino all night spending thousands of pounds. James wants to learn and is desperate to play for England.”

Rodgers is also confident striker Jamie Vardy is fully focused on tomorrow’s home game with Burnley – despite his wife Rebekah’s feud with Coleen Rooney.

“He has trained fine and been great this week,” said Rodgers. “You don’t get to the level of player Jamie is without being able to park any distraction.”