England manager Gareth Southgate feels James Maddison will learn from the negative press of being spotted in a casino after withdrawing from the squad.
Maddison, 22, was selected in the Three Lions squad to face Czech Republic and Bulgaria in a couple of Euro 2020 qualifiers and was in line to make his debut before pulling out of the squad last week due to illness.
However, he was pictured in a Leicester casino on Friday night, allegedly at the same time his England colleagues were being beaten in a European Championship qualifier for the first time in 10 years.
Questions will now be asked of the Foxes’ youngster, who has been in superb form this term and tipped to go to the very top.
Related: Abraham Vows To Cement England Place
Southgate has tried to develop a strong team spirit within his squad over the past couple of years and it has worked, with a march to the semi-finals of both the 2018 World Cup and the inaugural Nations League.
He will hope for an improvement when his men take on Bulgaria in Sofia on Monday night without Maddison in the ranks and suggested that the talented schemer needs to be mindful of the pitfalls of being a top-class footballer.
“That goes with the territory. It’s a high-profile position,” said the former Middlesbrough chief. “Once a player has been released from the squad, then it’s up to them how they spend their individual time.
“I guess what James has learned is that if you have an involvement with England, then there’s an increased spotlight on you and increased interest in your personal and private life as well.”
England still top Group A but are level on 12 points with the Czechs and will hope for a resounding victory over the group’s basement nation.
