James Maddison has the chance to try to force his way into England’s squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.

England manager Gareth Southgate is scheduled to be among the crowd at St James’ Park to see Maddison and his Leicester City team-mates take on Newcastle United.

Southgate faces a selection dilemma in midfield, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Adam Lallana yet to start for Chelsea and Liverpool, and both players have recently missed games through injury.

That has forced Southgate to consider alternatives and he will personally watch Maddison instead of going to Stamford Bridge, where Ross Barkley is expected to be on the substitutes’ bench for Chelsea’s game against Liverpool.

The return of Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks from injury has been noted by England staff and he too could be considered for an international recall if Southgate can be convinced over the 22-year-old’s form and fitness.