Gareth Southgate has suggested Reece James’ hopes of making the final cut for the European Championship rest on his ability to prove he can remain fit for the seven games a team would play if they were to lift the trophy.
James has been one of the most unlucky players in the Premier League in recent years with regard to his fitness, with injury cruelly ruling him out of England’s World Cup squad almost 18 months ago.
The Chelsea captain has already missed 31 games this campaign, after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury earlier on the season .
As a result of his inability to stave off injury for long periods of time, the 24-year-old has now missed as many as 75 games for his club since the start of 2020-21 with fitness concerns threatening to blight his career.
As such, the player has been set a target by Gareth Southgate if he is to make the Euros squad this summer.
‘Could he play seven games in the Euros? His record over the last few years would suggest no,’ Southgate said of the Chelsea captain.
‘But is he a top-level player who could provide something important? No question.
‘So yeah again he is another one who the first step is get back into training, get back into the team and build that physical resistance as quickly as you can.’
England have a glut of top level right backs, which perhaps softens the blow of James’ continued absence.
Kyle Walker generally starts under Southgate in the No 2 shirt, while Kieran Trippier has also featured heavily on both sides of the back four.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – seemingly back to his best this term – would be the natural rival to Trippier for the back-up role, with James creating further competition in that position when fit.
There is also the case of Ben White, who Southgate revealed did not want to be included in the England squad this time round, although the boss indicated the door would remain open for him.
For Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea it has also been a hefty blow to be without their newly-appointed captain for much of the season.
The Blues have been struggling for consistent runs of form throughout the campaign, although Malo Gusto has filled in well for James and will provide strength in depth once the skipper does return.
Chelsea are currently sat 11th in the Premier League, with 11 wins from 27 games, and James has not featured for his side since December 10.
The England boss named his 26-man squad to take on Belgium and Brazil in upcoming friendlies last week.
Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite received their first call-ups, while Ezri Konsa is in line for a first ever game for the Three Lions during the international break once again.
