Gareth Southgate has warned James Maddison after he was spotted in casino on night he was ‘too unwell’ to play for England.
The youngster withdrew himself from the Three Lions team to play the Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic on Friday.
James maddison spotted in a Leicester casino at the same time England took on Czech republic, he pulled out of the squad because apparently he was ill ?? pic.twitter.com/FjEWbTWq31
— FLEX47 (@FLEX47_) October 13, 2019
According to the Sun, he was spotted between 8pm and 9pm at the Grosvenor Casino and it’s claimed he won £5,000 in prize money.
A source said: “It’s well known James has been a big poker fan for many years and he plays in tournaments.
“But it was surprising to see him in a casino when England were playing — given that the FA had said he was too unwell to travel with the squad.”
He also won £3,000 at a charity poker event and gave the money to Leicester City’s Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation.
His agent said: “He was confined to his room with a virus on Wednesday and Thursday. He felt slightly better on Thursday but couldn’t be risked to travel with the team.”
SOUTHGATE ON MADDISON
“That goes with the territory. It’s a high-profile position.
“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.
“I don’t really want to discuss individuals but I know pretty much everything about all of my players,” Southgate said.
“I watch every minute of their football, whether that’s live or downloaded on a Sunday morning or a Sunday night, or a Monday morning.
“I speak to their club managers, I speak with Aidy [Boothroyd, England Under-21 manager] and all the coaches of the junior teams.
“We never know absolutely everything, but we have a very clear picture of every player, and that’s the due diligence that we should always do.”
After checking out the story on James Maddison, fans took to slam The Sun, others gave their thoughts to what Gareth Southgate had to say on it – see those tweets on the next page.
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