James Maddison in line to make his full England debut against Ukraine | England

Gareth Southgate is about to hand James Maddison his first worldwide begin when England proceed their Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign against Ukraine.

The England supervisor, who has stated he has no downside with Marcus Rashford flying to New York on vacation after the ahead withdrew from the squad due to harm, is predicted to identify the Leicester playmaker in assault at Wembley on Sunday.

Maddison’s solely earlier cap got here instead and harm prevented him from making an influence after Southgate made the late determination to take him to the World Cup in Qatar.

The 26-year-old was an unused substitute when England opened their qualifying marketing campaign by successful away to Italy for the primary time since 1961. But Maddison has been in distinctive type for Leicester, and Southgate has determined to reward him by bringing him into the beginning 11.

Jack Grealish, who began on the left against Italy, might make means for Maddison, whose solely earlier cap got here instead in 2019.

It represents a shocking turnaround for the midfielder, who was a shock choice in England’s squad for the World Cup. It had appeared that Southgate was chilly on him, however he has been impressed with his performances in coaching throughout this camp.

Rashford’s withdrawal, in the meantime, is the newest in a long term of absences, with the Manchester United ahead having withdrawn from 5 worldwide camps since 2020. He was having fun with some downtime in America whereas England have been opening their Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign, elevating some questions over his dedication to England, who’re in need of numbers.

There was a distinction with Luke Shaw on condition that the left-back has remained with the squad regardless of being suspended after his purple card against Italy. Rashford has a historical past of enjoying for United after lacking England matches.

But Southgate, who has allowed Reece James to return to Chelsea for remedy on a minor hamstring harm, was eager to play issues down. He insisted Rashford has not damage his future choice possibilities and batted away a query concerning the 25-year-old strolling round New York when he was unable to characterize his nation.

“I wouldn’t think the levels are quite the same,” Southgate stated. “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time. The players don’t get a lot of break.

“Once they’ve got a little bit of time I’m sure our players will be flying off wherever after tomorrow’s game – if they get 48 hours with the schedule as it is I think they have to take advantage of it.”

England, who’ve additionally misplaced Mason Mount and Nick Pope to harm, have loads of competitors on the left wing however Southgate took Rashford to the World Cup and says the ahead, who has 30 targets in 49 appearances for membership and nation this season, is a part of his plans.

“He’s obviously played a lot for us,” he stated. “He’s over 50 caps now for England and close to 50 of those have been since I’ve been the manager. I know what he’s capable of. It’s good to see him in goalscoring form.”

Southgate stated there aren’t any considerations over Jude Bellingham’s health after the midfielder limped off against Italy, whereas Ben Chilwell is predicted to change Shaw at left-back.

Southgate additionally confirmed he’s but to maintain talks with Folarin Balogun over the Arsenal striker’s worldwide future. The England Under-21 worldwide, who’s on mortgage at Reims, can also be eligible to play for the USA and Nigeria. The USA interim coach, Anthony Hudson, has spoken to Balogun, who has scored 17 targets in Ligue 1 this season.

“It is a classic thing,” Southgate stated of Balogun, who pulled out of the under-21 squad via harm. “Young players progress and you cannot perhaps give them the immediate opportunity that they would like and another country perhaps can offer them. It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels. Is he prepared to wait a little bit if he backs himself?

“Flo, we like. We would like him to give it some time. If he continues that progression there will be opportunities but I cannot offer him that this week. If we did I don’t think that would be fair on Ivan Toney, who has scored the goals he has in the Premier League.”