James Maddison withdraws from England squad due to illness

The wait for a first senior England cap for James Maddison goes on, as the Leicester City midfielder has returned home because of illness.

James Maddison in action for Leicester City.

James Maddison has withdrawn from the England squad due to illness, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed.

Attacking midfielder Maddison has enjoyed a sparkling start to the 2019-20 season with Leicester City and was expected to make his England debut in the upcoming internationals against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.

The 22-year-old's form has been so impressive that strong transfer links with Manchester United and other clubs have started to circulate.

But his wait for a first senior England cap must continue and he will return to Leicester.

Gareth Southgate has opted against calling up a replacement, as he did when Everton's Fabian Delph withdrew because of a hamstring injury on Monday, leaving him with a 23-man squad for the two Euro 2020 qualifiers.

England face the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday, before travelling to Sofia three days later.