Leicester City’s James Maddison will get his debut for England against Spain, yet, Croatia game needed him

Gareth Southgate should have brought Leicester City’s James Maddison on for England against Croatia, the game needed him. However, his debut will come versus Spain Monday.

England played out a disappointingly boring and mysterious seeming 0-0 Nations League match versus Croatia in an empty stadium. Nevertheless, there was some good news for Leicester City; as duo Ben Chilwell – on his full debut – and Harry Maguire were excellent in attaining a clean sheet.

Incredibly, BBC Sport handed Maguire a ridiculous 6 as his rating; in comparison to Foxes of Leicester’s score of 8 for the centre-back. Along with FoL, Sky Sports graded Chilwell as a 7.5 and, as the Man of the Match.

Although, evidently a playmaker like recently promoted senior international prospect James Maddison was the necessary spark of effervescence needed as interjection from the substitutes’ bench. Alas, boss Gareth Southgate overlooked, arguably, the most in form Premier League No.10 as of now.

This was increasingly odd because Southgate made only one change. That is very unusual for elite football, generally – all three substitutions are made.

While, Jadon Sancho looked extremely promising – not to mention being a young, master facilitator in his own right – Maddison could have been included in the switch. Especially as Sancho replaced Raheem Sterling on the right-side of attack. Maddison is most effective in the central role.

Following the Three Lions’ brilliant return to the knockout stages of the World Cup, it is difficult, and feels wrong, to criticise the National gaffer. Yet, being completely honest – it is not the first time questionable decisions developed; from Russia to Wembley.

For example: Harry Kane was severely fatigued in the latter stages of the tournament last summer; Jamie Vardy’s inimitable nature was required in a larger capacity. And, in spite of certain unfair judgment of Sterling; he did not justify a continuous starting place.

It is apparently obvious that England lack a supremely talented, consistent player in-the-hole, so to speak. Maddison has proven his premiership quality – dismantling and penetrating defences from Old Trafford to the King Power Stadium; he deserves his chance on the highest echelon. Southgate should utilise the starlet versus Spain, not disregard the promising talent.