‘I CAN’T FORGET WHEN BRAZIL SCHOOLED LIONS’

JAMES MADDISON will have one of England’s most infamous World Cup heartbreaks on his mind when he finally takes his place in the Three Lions squad today.

The Leicester midfielder was forced to sit out training after reporting to the squad with a knee problem, but has now been involved in sessions since Saturday.

He is set to take his place in the matchday squad to face Wales, and would win just his second senior cap if called upon by Gareth Southgate.

The first came more than three years ago, but his superb form in the World Cup build-up made it impossible for Southgate to overlook him again.

Maddison is being spurred on by the regrets of tournaments past.

Asked to recall his first World Cup memory as part of JD Sports’ King of the Game Christmas campaign, Maddison (above) said: “It’s not actually a great memory, but it’s when we were allowed to watch the England games in school.

“Lessons would almost stop when England were playing in school time.

“I remember England playing Brazil in the 2002 World Cup and Ronaldinho scored a free-kick over David Seaman. I remember being devastated, everyone was, because England got knocked out that day.

“That is my first memory of England at the World Cup.

“It’s an iconic moment, that freekick, so it definitely stuck with me.”

Maddison picks out David Beckham and Wayne Rooney as two of his favourite players growing up.

* Watch James Maddison in the JD Christmas campaign ‘King of the Game’, with JD exclusive product drops available online at jdsports.co.uk and in UK stores now.