Reece James has been handed a golden opportunity to stake his claim in the England Squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar. On Thursday, the defender was selected by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming internationals against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
He was one of three Chelsea players to be called up to the Three Lions, alongside midfielders Mason Mount and Connor Gallagher, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace. But despite being considered one of the best in his position in the country, a place in the England squad is far from guaranteed. Southgate is blessed with multiple outstanding options at right-back, including Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But now, more than ever, James has a chance to prove that he should be on the plane to Qatar come November. This is because his major rivals for the right-back slot are currently missing in action.
READ MORE: Roman Abramovich sale demand hints at new Chelsea ownership verdict amid Saudi Media interest
Walker was surprisingly left out of the current squad with Southgate saying: "I had a chat with Kyle. We felt this was an opportunity to have a look at the two younger, exciting full-backs [James and Alexander-Arnold].
"We know all there is to know about Kyle. He's a very important player and he'll be back with us in June."
But on Friday it was announced that Alexander-Arnold was withdrawing from the squad with a hamstring injury, leaving James as the only natural right-back in the side.
If Alexander-Arnold is not replaced, then James looks likely to start both friendlies. And if his performs well, he will have unquestionably boosted his chances of starting in Qatar.
