Leicester 4-0 Braga: Kelechi Iheanacho at the double for in-form Foxes

James Maddison admitted he was unhappy to be left out of the England squad after delivering an impressive performance in Leicester’s 4-0 Europa League win over Braga.

The midfielder scored the final goal as the Foxes retained their 100 per cent record after three group games, after Kelechi Iheanacho struck the first two and substitute Dennis Praet the third.

Maddison’s progress this year was curtailed by a hip injury that caused him to miss much of the season post-lockdown and required surgery before this campaign.

Kelechi Iheanacho was on target twice for Leicester in their Europa League win against Braga

The Foxes frontman had been found in formidable form at the King Power on Thursday night

England’s forthcoming matches against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland Maddison is determined to make the next squad, after winning his only cap against Montenegro last year.

Asked if he was disappointed to miss out, Maddison told BT Sport: ‘Yeah, if I’m being honest. I want to be in the England squad, that’s what I dreamed of as a little boy.

‘I’ve had a taste and I want more. I’m back fit now and I’m firing, getting the minutes in the legs. I had a long injury last season and a couple of knocks this year so I haven’t had a consecutive run of games.

Iheanacho combined smartly with James Maddison before bursting through and firing home

The striker’s second goal of the game came from a deflected effort after Cengiz Under’s pass

Dennis Praet extended Leicester’s handsome advantage after tapping home at the back post

‘I can’t control whether I’m in the England squad I don’t pick the team but I can only concentrate on Leicester – second in the in Premier League, three wins out of three in the Europa League, so if I keep my form good for Leicester and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.’

Along with Maddison, Harvey Barnes was also left out after making his debut in the friendly against Wales last month. 

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers added: ‘They are two very talented young players and I’m sure over the course of the season they can force their way back into the squad.’

Maddison’s mood was improved by his side’s display, especially in the second half.  

Iheanacho turned from scorer to provider to pick out Praet across the width of the penalty area

Maddison also ensured a spot on the scoresheet soon after with a poke home inside the box

Boss Brendan Rodgers could even afford to leave top scorer Jamie Vardy on the bench ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wolves as his team ran out comfortable winners.

Iheanacho struck either side of half-time, the first from close range after a lucky rebound, and the second a deflected effort from 25 yards.

Praet tapped in the third after Iheanacho’s mishit and – after Iheanacho was lucky not to be sent off for a dreadful tackle on Joao Novais – Maddison made it four after some neat footwork inside the box outwitted the hapless Braga back line. 

Leicester have now recorded three straight victories at the start of their European campaign

The result was even more notable for Brendan Rodgers’ men with Braga their toughest test