James Maddison still not named in England squad despite withdrawals

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has been in fine form so far this season, looking more like the player who made such an electric start to his Spurs career in the first few months of last season.

Despite this, interim England manager Lee Carsley did not call him up to the England senior squad for nations league fixtures against Greece and Finland later on this week. Whilst some thought Maddison was unlucky not to be called up, there was a consensus that England's incredible depth in midfield means it was hard for him to be selected.

However, Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United have since withdrawn from the squad due to injuries sustained at the weekend, but there has been no call up for Maddison in their absence. With the original midfield options selected, you can perhaps understand why he was not picked (although a lot felt he deserved it over Gibbs-White), however, with those two now dropped out, the Spurs midfielder can perhaps feel aggrieved not to have the call.

Not only that, but since Carsley's second squad in charge was announced on Thursday afternoon, Maddison has registered two more goal contributions, with an assist against Ferencvaros and a goal against Brighton and Hove Albion. For some reason, England have not called up any replacements for the two injured players, nor Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa who also withdrew due to injury.

Still, whilst he will no doubt be wondering what he has to do, it is still good news for Spurs that he gets some rest and time off. The 27-year old plays nearly every minute for Spurs, and in a physically demanding Ange Postecoglu side, too - particularly with this new number eight role that he has played in so far this season.

There is still time for a late call, so let's see if anything develops on that front.