Reece James confirms he was left out of the England World Cup squad despite willing to take the risk
In a statement released via his tweet, Chelsea defender Reece James has confirmed that he was left out of the England World Cup squad despite working hard and willing to take the risk for the team.
James picked up a knee injury in a Champions League game against AC Milan on October 11. At the time, it was reported that the 22-year-old would be out for eight weeks, which effectively ruled him out of the tournament.
However, in the last few days, the wing-back stepped up his recovery process and was in contention to be fit by the time the ball is kicked in Qatar. He went to Dubai with a Chelsea medical staff to accelerate his rehabilitation process. All these have not deterred Gareth Southgate from not taking a risk by selecting him.
It is a bit of a weird one though, as Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson were selected in the Euros squad last year even when they were not fit enough for the first couple of games. They eventually took part in the tournament and did well.
This time around, as per the Guardian, it is expected that Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, who themselves are recovering from their respective injuries, would be included in the World Cup squad.
So, why only with James is there a risk attached for Southgate? It is a question only the England manager can answer. Whatever it be, the 22-year-old cannot change this and must take it on the chin and move on.
Chelsea would be hoping that he is fit and raring to go when the Premier League season resumes on Boxing Day in England. The blues have missed him in the last few games. So, having a fit and rested James would be great for the second half of this campaign.
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On a personal note for him, it would hurt to miss the opportunity to represent his nation on the biggest stage. His loss could end up being Trent Alexander-Arnold’s gain and the Liverpool right-back would now fancy his chances of making the plane to Qatar.
