MADDISON’S DREAM NOW THREATENED

JAMES MADDISON looks certain to miss England’s clash with the United States tomorrow and is battling to save his World Cup dream.

Once again, the Leicester midfielder did not take part in the main training session at the squad’s Al Wakrah base and is still on a personal programme after going off with a slight knee problem early in his last Premier League game.

Maddison, who celebrated his 26th birthday yesterday, admitted he was still not 100 percent when he arrived in Qatar last week and has been training on his own since then.

And while Gareth Southgate is clearly still optimistic Maddison (above and with Southgate, right) will soon be able to play some part, the game against the Americans is clearly going to come too soon – especially as the England manager has an array of alternative options.

With a squad of 26, Southgate was happy to take the slight gamble on the midfielder and might well decide not to risk him until the knockout stages if England’s progress is secured in the Al Bayt stadium.

And while his niggling fitness problem is a frustration for Maddison, Jordan Pickford confirmed the Leicester man’s spirits are still high.

The Everton keeper explained: “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.”