James Maddison expected to miss England’s World Cup opener against Iran after sitting out training again

James Maddison’s hopes of being fit for England’s World Cup opener against Iran are fading after the midfielder sat out training again on Sunday.

Maddison is still struggling with a slight knee issue and did not train with the rest of the squad ahead of the Iran clash.

The 25-year-old has now been absent from training for three days and looks set to miss the Group B opener on Monday.

Maddison, who was a surprise inclusion in the England squad for the World Cup, has been struggling since limping off during Leicester’s win over West Ham last weekend.

England still hope to welcome back the midfielder for their final two Group B matches.

Gareth Southgate’s side play the USA next Friday before facing Wales the following Tuesday.

Southgate will confirm Maddison’s fitness status at a press conference on Sunday afternoon.

The other 25 players in the England squad all trained in milder temperatures at their Al Wakrah training base and should be available face Iran.

England have trained in 33-degree heat this week but temperatures dropped to 26 degrees, on Sunday, with a breeze making it feel even cooler.