Maddison 'sure of an England call-up despite controversial casino visit'

James Maddison is optimistic his controversial casino visit last month will not cost him a place in the England squad on Thursday.

In normal circumstances, the Leicester midfielder would be a shoo-in after some excellent displays at club level. But Maddison was photographed gambling just 24 hours after withdrawing from the previous squad due to illness.

However, he is hopeful of being named in the squad for the games against Montenegro a week on Thursday and Kosovo on November 17.

Southgate is yet to discuss the casino issue with the player, but the England manager is expected to sit down with the 22-year-old during the forthcoming international gathering — if he is selected.

The form of Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, who Southgate has watched regularly in recent weeks, means the England manager has a ready-made alternative to Maddison in midfield.

Elsewhere, Everton defender Michael Keane is sweating on his place in the squad.

John Stones is set to be recalled after missing the previous two squads due to injury, which leaves Keane and Liverpool's Joe Gomez at risk.

Having started the previous three games, Keane was dropped for the victory over Bulgaria last month. He was also axed by Everton boss Marco Silva for Sunday's home draw with Tottenham.

Ross Barkley's place is also uncertain due to an ankle injury that has kept him out of Chelsea's last five matches.

Likewise, Barkley's club-mate Mason Mount is a doubt after the midfielder sustained an ankle injury in the 4-4 Champions League draw with Ajax on Tuesday. England staff will check on his fitness on Thursday morning.

The potential absence of Barkley and Mount opens the door for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dele Alli. Fabian Delph and Jadon Sancho are also injury doubts, with fit-again Callum Hudson-Odoi seen as the perfect replacement for Sancho if he fails to prove his fitness.