Ex-England international says Chelsea 'are in shambles' following Mauricio Pochettino sack
Mauricio Pochettino has backed Chelsea star Reece James to make the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 after the fullback marked his return with a remarkable assist in the Blues’ 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest.
James returned after five months out with a hamstring injury and had an instant impact, and he will be hoping that he gets a call from Gareth Southgate for the European Championships.
Chelsea, who commenced the game on the front foot after Mykhaylo Mudryk opened the scoring in eight minutes before Forest found an equaliser through Willy Bolly in the 16th minute, former Blues Callum Hudson-Odoi gave the host the lead in the 74th minute before Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson secured a well-fought win for the Blues.
James was in the spotlight in this game after his return, and despite only two matches remaining, the 24-year-old will hope to present his case to get in the squad for Euro 2024, Pochettino will be expecting that James plays in the tournament, (h/t Football.London), after he further said:
“He is our captain. We all love him. Yes, important, and to see whether he will be fit and have a chance of making the Euros.”
How much have we missed? James’s presence was evident when he came on and made an instant impression with that first-touch cross that resulted in Chelsea’s winning goal. James is different, and there is no replacement for him at Chelsea because what he provides is top-level.
However, his injuries have held him back. If he hadn’t been hurt this season, he undoubtedly would have had a lot more assists. All he has to do is stay healthy, and our team will have its most influential player.
Southgate is aware of James, and the England manager called him up when the fullback returned from injury the previous time, but the fullback turned down an invitation to play in friendlies. Therefore, we are not concerned that he won’t make the Euro 2024 team. Such a talented player is definitely someone Southgate will want to add to his Three Lions team.
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