Chris Sutton left baffled by what’s happened to James Maddison recently

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England were poor against Brazil on Saturday.

The Three Lions struggled to make anything happen against the five-time world champions, and the most striking thing during this match was a distinct lack of creativity.

Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s side didn’t make much happen at all, and speaking on BBC 606, Chris Sutton has been discussing England’s performance against Brazil, and he says that he’s baffled by the fact James Maddison didn’t get a game on Saturday.

Chris Sutton baffled James Maddison didn’t play

Maddison remained on the bench for the entirety of the England vs Brazil game.

The Three Lions really could’ve done with a player like Maddison on the pitch, but, for some reason, Gareth Southgate didn’t turn to him.

Sutton spoke about Maddison being left out.

“You could even say James Maddison, I actually thought him not getting on, I didn’t understand that from Gareth. England huffed and puffed and weren’t all that creative, here’s a creative player, so I didn’t get that one,” Sutton said.

James Maddison isn’t fully fit

Sutton may have been baffled by Maddison being left on the bench, but there may be a simple explanation here.

Indeed, Maddison has been carrying a few knocks recently.

Alasdair Gold stated that Maddison had an ankle injury last week after the Fulham game.

“He had a little problem in the week as well. I think he had a little bit of an ankle issue in the week from what I understand. Not enough to keep him out, but maybe that played a part, I don’t know,” Gold said.

Of course, it’s not a major issue – hence why he’s still with the England squad and likely to play in the second game against Belgium, but if you can protect a player like Maddison and give him more time to rest rather than using him in a meaningless friendly, that is the right call.

Maddison may not have played against Brazil because he’s not fully fit, it may be that simple.