Former England international Terry Butcher believes that England should’ve handed Leicester midfielder James Maddison his debut against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.

The midfielder did not get on the pitch as England drew 0-0 with Croatia behind closed doors in Rijeka, with the game not providing much entertainment for those watching at home.

Former international Butcher believes that if Maddison was on the pitch, however, it would have been a very different story.

Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport

Speaking after the final whistle, Butcher said, via Leicester Mercury:

It needed somebody further up the pitch like Maddison to play about 10 yards off Harry Kane. Barkley was about 50 yards behind.

Maddison can work there. He could have won the game if he’s in that position. He’s a quality player. Perhaps it was an opportunity missed, rather than perhaps waiting for the game on Monday.

England take on Spain in Seville on Monday, with the Three Lions needing some points to secure safety in their UEFA Nations League group.