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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

Reece James sends Gareth Southgate Trent Alexander-Arnold message amid Real Madrid interest

Reece James has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the pair set to rival one another for a place in Gareth Southgate's starting-eleven at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Liverpool defender has faced growing criticism for his defending ability in recent times, but the Chelsea man ruled out such claims and insisted that 'mistakes are normal'.

The Cobham graduate, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in three years, started just one of England's UEFA Nations League fixtures this month, filling in at right-back in the goalless draw with Italy. His only other cameo came in an appearance off the bench against Hungary where he conceded a penalty shortly after coming on.

James, who has endured an injury-ridden 39-game campaign under Thomas Tuchel, has since faced criticism for his role in granting the visitors a definitive goal in the 1-0 loss. As has Alexander-Arnold this season, so the Chelsea defender has spoken up and set the record straight.

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