James Maddison will be keeping everything crossed after he was forced off injured while playing for Leicester on Saturday – barely 48 hours after being named in England's World Cup squad.
Three Lions fans had been desperate for Gareth Southgate to recall the bang in-form Foxes forward – and they got their wish as 25-year-old made the final 26-man selection for the tournament in Qatar.
But just nine days before England get their campaign underway against Iran, Maddison – having opened the scoring for Leicester at West Ham – pulled up midway through the first half with what seemed to be an issue with his right leg.
Maddison – whose only international cap to date came three years ago – had to be substituted, making way for Dennis Praet.
It goes without saying that Southgate will be sweating on the playmaker's fitness – less than two weeks after seeing Bukayo Saka leave the pitch amid similar circumstances during Arsenal's victory over Nottingham Forest.
And the Three Lions boss will hope for the same outcome: it turned out Saka had only picked up a knock, and he returned to action in the very next game.
The National League Cup: A Pathway for U21 Development or a Bridge Too Far?
‘Slot hasn’t come in and changed everything, making it all about himself – it’s been about the players he’s inherited, getting the best out of a system he likes’: Liverpool manager impressing former players with personality and tactical approach
