Gareth Southgate reveals James Maddison ‘going in the right direction’ as England star scores and takes full part in 15-minute open session ahead of Wales clash

Gareth Southgate has told talkSPORT that James Maddison “no longer feels any discomfort” due to his knee injury.

The Leicester City star also scored as he fully participated in England’s 15-minute open training session on the eve of their final World Cup group game against Wales.

Maddison had been absent from Three Lions training sessions and the opener of two games in Qatar, but is now part of Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad.

He returned to full training on Saturday after missing his country’s games against Iran and the United States while being treated for a knee injury.

Now, Gareth Southgate has told talkSPORT that Maddison’s fitness still appears to be on the rise as he provided a positive midfield update.

“He’s with us, he’s capable of doing whatever he wants to do now,” he said on Monday.

“He’s only had a few days of full training with the team, but the good thing is that he doesn’t feel any discomfort from his injury, so he’s going in the right direction.”

The Foxes star was once again fully involved in the Three Lions training session on Monday, and he even scored in the 15 minutes of training open to the media, according to Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Maddison’s return will be a real boost for England if they qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate’s side lacked creativity against the United States in Group B on Friday, and the Leicester playmaker could provide them with the attacking threat they craved in the 0-0 draw.

The Three Lions will need to avoid a defeat by a margin of more than four goals against Wakes on Tuesday night to advance to the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ben White missed training on Monday due to illness.