England have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a monumental 3-2 win over Mexico at The Azteca, with Chelsea captain Reece James watching from the sidelines.
The right-back was officially named as a substitute during the early hours of Monday morning despite suffering a hamstring injury in the latter stages of the Ghana draw. He’s missed England’s last two games.
Wins against Panama and then DR Congo have since arrived, with James missing. The Chelsea star, who is renowned for his hamstring injuries, is yet to take part in team training but was on the bench today.
With Marco Palestra officially in the building, does he instantly start over Reece James or Malo Gusto?👀
A brace from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty proved to be enough despite Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half. Altitude, the Azteca, and playing with 10 men didn’t stop England.
James was never going to get on, even when England needed to sort out their right-back options. But the Chelsea man still had a busy night, getting involved on the touchline in many different ways.
Reece James front and centre during fracas with Mexico bench
His hamstring injury was not going to stop James from defending his teammates and coaching staff. Immediately after Quansah’s red card, the Mexican bench rose to their feet to confront the officials.
Then, they confronted England’s technical area before tempers boiled over. James, alongside assistant manager Anthony Barry – with whom he worked at Chelsea – were in the thick of the touchline action.
James, Barry and co. had the last laugh as Mexico’s attempts to get the better of England and use the occasion to their advantage ultimately failed. Some have described it as England’s best win since 1966.
Reece James turns manager during second hydration break
James is a leader, and he shows it in many different ways. He’s one of the best right-backs in the world, he’s a calming presence, he often defends and stands up for his teammates, and he’s tactically adept.
That was seen during the second hydration break. While Thomas Tuchel was barking orders as England desperately attempted to hold on, James was seen speaking to Jude Bellingham and relaying instructions.
The Chelsea skipper was in Bellingham’s ear, slapping him on the back and clearly getting a message across while Tuchel spoke to Declan Rice. Another example of James’ impact, even if he remains injured.
James’ celebration with Ezri Konsa at full-time speaks volumes
Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa started the game in the middle of the defence alongside Marc Guehi. But come the end of the match, he was forced to cover at right-back after Quansah had been sent off.
A mammoth effort from Konsa, and James was impressed with the player covering for him in England’s starting XI. After full-time, James is seen celebrating with Konsa, saying: “That’s what I’m talking about”.
Tuchel has hinted that James might be available in the latter stages of the tournament if he can rejoin training in the next few days. England face Erling Haaland’s Norway on Saturday in Miami at 10pm.
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