The last time Reece James completed 90 minutes was in March, yet on Wednesday night, the Chelsea skipper played every minute as England got their World Cup campaign off to a flyer.
England beat Croatia 4-2, ridding themselves of the nightmares of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals against the same opponents. Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, only for Croatia to equalise twice.
Reece James as a central midfielder or a right-back under Xabi Alonso?👀
The million pound question!
But England took the game by the scruff of the neck, Jude Bellingham scoring just two minutes into the second half and Marcus Rashford rounded off an excellent performance, and an exciting 4-2 victory.
James played his part. He connected well with his old Chelsea pal Noni Madueke, and even moved into central midfield towards the end of the game. Under Thomas Tuchel, it is clear he will play a big role.
Jorrel Hato and Anthony Gordon impressed by Reece James
It has been a short while since James completed 90 minutes, and Chelsea fans will have been watching concerned from behind the sofa in the knowledge that James might pull up with an injury problem.
But the Blues captain came through unscathed as England secured a big win. He posted on Instagram after the win, with the caption: “Off to a winning start. Lots to build on. Thank you for all the support.”
In response, plenty commented on the defender’s Instagram. Watching from afar, Netherlands’ World Cup star Jorrel Hato said “skip” as a nod of appreciation in the direction of his captain’s performance.
New Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon said James was a “joke”, while Declan Rice commented “wow” and both Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins also responded with “topppp” and “levels”.
Reece James’ stats in England win against Croatia
FotMob actually have James’ rating as low as 6.2 which is a surprise, given the Chelsea skipper seemed comfortable in possession, solid without it. James didn’t do anything spectacular, but he did the basics.
How would you rate Reece James’ display against Croatia 1️⃣-🔟?
Some of his runs past Madueke as an overlapping full-back, or inside the winger, were excellent. His delivery into the box was superb, and James can certainly be proud of his performance last night.
He enjoyed 57 touches, completed 36 of his 43 passes which tells a story in which he attempted some forward passes – five were into the final third – while making a block, an interception and three clearances.
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