James Maddison snubbed again despite two players drafted in

it didn't feel like Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison could receive any more international set backs. First he was not named in the final squad for the European Championships in Germany last summer, then he wasn't included in the following two squads under a new manager. Then, he was not called up despite two midfielders dropping out with no replacement.

Then, to rub salt in the wounds, interim manager Lee Carsley decided to call up a midfielder - Curtis Jones of Liverpool. He also called up Tino Livramento of Newcastle to replace Ezri Konsa. Considering Jones plays in a (more) similar role to Mainoo - you could make the case that the injured Morgan Gibbs-White is the only player of the three drop outs not to be replaced - someone who plays in a very similar role to Maddison.

Pretty brutal for the 27-year old to take considering the circumstances could not have been more placed for him to be called up. He must be thinking if he isn't going to with these drop outs, when will he?

Jones and Livramento are players that have played under Lee Carsley for the U21s. Anthony Gordon, Levi Colwill, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes and Gibbs-White all played for Carsley at various points with the U21s, and have played for the senior team since he took over. Gordon was the only one there who was already an established senior team player before Carsley became interim manager.

So, when there are players like Jones, Gibbs-White, and Gomes who play in the same or similar roles to Maddison, it will be tough for the Spurs midfielder to dislodge them, considering how they all have histories with Carsley over a number of years.

In any case, we already know that Maddison has used past national team frustrations as fuel to improve, having seen his performances so far this season. Let's hope for more of the same.