MADDISON ON BRINK

JAMES MADDISON missed England training again – and must now be a doubt for the World Cup opener.

The Leicester midfielder has sat out the last two sessions and is running out of time to prove his fitness ahead of Monday’s clash with Iran.

Maddison (right) suffered a knee injury in the past few weeks and has been nursing the problem but is still confident of being able to play a part in the tournament. However, he is clearly struggling ahead of Iran and that must be a frustration for Gareth Southgate as the England boss might see him as a supersub.

Southgate is definitely thinking of using his substitutes and changes will be a big part of his tactical plan because of the heat and big demands on players.

England trained for a second day in the scorching lunchtime temperatures to make sure they are acclimatised.

They have been using ice towels and blowers after sessions but temperatures are forecast to drop below

30 degrees next week and England kick off against Iran at 4pm local time which is just before sunset.