Jody Morris thinks Chelsea’s Reece James definitely belongs in the best England XI ahead of the winter World Cup.
With the major international tournament kicking off next month, a lot of players will already have one eye on Qatar.
England boss Gareth Southgate will have feared the worst this week when James was forced off with a knee problem during Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions League win against AC Milan.
Everybody is still waiting for an official fitness update on the 22-year-old wing-back, who’s has grown into an important player for both club and country.
However, positive news is that The Evening Standard reports that James may actually return from his knee problem in less than a week.
Reece James in England XI
Morris, who’s a former Chelsea assistant coach that worked closely with James, is unsurprisingly a big admirer of his.
He claims the “outstanding” defender belongs in Southgate’s England line-up next month.
When asked if a fully fit James should start for at full-back for England at the World Cup, Morris told Sky Sports: “For me, he would be. I know a lot of people will be thinking I’m bias towards that selection, but if you look at the form in which he’s performing. His versatility as well…
“I think at the moment, if you’re looking at an all-round package as a full-back, there’s not many better than Reece James. I think going forward he’s an outstanding talent and produces not only goals and assists, but he also helps control the tempo of a game…. You look at him defensively, he’s as good as anyone defensively in that position, so Reece James is definitely a starter for me.”
If fit, James seems a shoe-in to go and play for England in Qatar.
The right wing-back has played every minute of England’s last four matches prior to the tournament, so is clearly in favour with Southgate.
Meanwhile, his Chelsea form has been imperious this campaign.
The amount of worry within the Blues fanbase since James came off injured on Tuesday night just highlights how valuable a player he is.
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