Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says whether he wants Reece James to be called up for England

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been asked about Reece James potentially being called up for the England squad.

It is something that some Chelsea fans may not want to see, with Reece James having just returned from injury.

Not only has the right-back returned, but he has managed to put in some good performances since coming back.

In fact, Maresca stated that James was good in Premier League games against Liverpool and Newcastle United.

• READ MORE: £100k-a-week Chelsea player could get chance to captain club after Reece James criticism

How Enzo Maresca feels about Reece James playing for England

Maresca has just got James back; he will not want to lose him to injury during the upcoming international break.

Nevertheless, the Chelsea boss still looks more than happy for Lee Carsley to call him up, claiming that he loves it when his players are selected by their national teams.

When asked about James earning an England recall, Maresca said in his latest press conference: “No idea, to be honest. We are happy with the way he is progressing with us in terms of physical condition and the way he is playing.

“I love my players joining the national team, it means it is good for the player, the club, the manager. I don’t know if he is going to be with the national team.”

While the 44-year-old has been pleased with James’ performances on the pitch, he wants to see his captain embrace his leadership role a bit more. Maresca had a conversation with James and told him that he needs to show more leadership.

When was Reece James’ last appearance for England?

Because of all of his injuries and lack of game time, James has not played for England since March 2023, coming on in a 2-1 win against Italy.

The Chelsea captain will be desperate to get back into the Three Lions fold after missing Euro 2024.

Given how James has played since returning from injury, he probably is in with a shout of being called up.

For example, he was really good in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Newcastle, making one crucial clearance towards the end of the game with his head.

At the same time, though, you would not blame Chelsea if they tried to wrap him up in cotton wool. Again, having just got the England international back, no one at Stamford Bridge will want to see him pick up another injury so soon.