Reece James has left a cryptic message on Instagram ahead of England's World Cup opener against Iran on Sunday.
James missed out on Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar due to a knee injury he picked up against AC Milan at San Siro on October 11. He hasn't played for the Blues since and was revealed to be in a race against time to return to fitness for the World Cup despite initial belief that the injury wasn't too bad.
Things escalated though and James found out that he would be out for around eight weeks, four of which were in a protective boot.
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England chose to take Kyle Walker and Kevin Phillips to Qatar despite their own fitness worries and lack of gametime, with James Maddison also a late doubt for the tournament opener with injury. James wouldn't have been ready for on-pitch action until at least the last-16 though, and the decision to take him would have been 'arrogant' according to Southgate.
Since then there has been debate as to how England will do without their starting wingback - and a shoe-in for starting right-back too - with Paul Merson deeming England unable to win the tournament without him, whilst former national team boss Roy Hodgson doesn't think it's right to speak out against the decision.
Hodgson was relating to a post that James issued before the squad was announced, saying: "I've worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team. I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I'll be back soon. Stay safe & sending love."
He has now posted a more cryptic message on Instagram, writing: "It's a crowd when it's time to party but when it's time to put that work in it get lonely."
James will be hoping he is available to play for Chelsea once more when Graham Potter's men return to action on December 27 against Bournemouth.
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