Maddison praises 'energy' in England World Cup camp

James Maddison said there was great "energy" in the England World Cup squad as Gareth Southgate's men seek to take the final step and win their first major trophy for 56 years. 

The team, spearheaded by striker Harry Kane, reached the semi-finals of the tournament in Russia in 2018 and suffered a painful defeat to Italy in the final of the year's delayed Euro 2020. 

The players, wearing their blue training kit, had a gentle workout at their Al Wakrah training base outside Doha as the evening call to prayer rang out around the stadium. 

Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, who have been out for significant spells due to injury, were part of the group. 

Leicester midfielder Maddison, who only has one international cap under his belt, said the mood in the camp was buoyant 24 hours after they landed in Doha. 

"We've all seen England at major tournaments in recent years, and they've been brilliant," said the 25-year-old, who added that he had had a "positive scan" after hurting his knee in a Leicester match at the weekend. 

"There was a feel about the Euros and in Russia that the togetherness was all there for everyone to see publicly, in-house. And coming back into the squad and meeting up in the first few days, it's been the same sort of thing. 

"You can feel it. There's a real good energy." 

England have struggled over the past year and were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League, but Maddison said that would not reduce the pressure on the players. 

"We know the expectations are high, and in the last two major tournaments, the boys have been absolutely brilliant -- a semi-final and then a final," he said. 

"There's only one step further you can go, and that's winning it, so the fans are right to have high