Reece James, the 25-year-old English full-back, who captains Premier League club Chelsea, managed to defeat the table-toppers Liverpool 2-1 this past weekend at Stamford Bridge. Earlier in the week, James was
one of the full-backs selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad considering the experience he brings in the team and his ability to deliver perfect crosses from the wings.
However, ahead of the international games against Wales and Latvia, medical tests following the Liverpool game have confirmed that Reece James suffered an injury. With that, the England national team and Chelsea have officially communicated that he has withdrawn from the national squad as they would not want to take any risk with his fitness. James is a player who has been severely affected by injuries off-late which is why it will take some time for him to return to his best.
Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly earns fist international call-up for England as Reece James’ replacement
Nico O’Reily, who has proved to be one of Manchester City’s rising stars in the ongoing season, has been a strong presence in ths success of the club thus far. Pep Guardiola has been deeply impressed with the 20-year-old performances for Manchester City due to which he extended his contract for five more years at his boyhood club. Thomas Tuchel admires the physical attributes and talent that O’Reilly possess which is why he has been called up as a replacement for Reece James in the English squad.
Thomas Tuchel’s options for the right-back is limited as he does not have any fully-fit full backs in his squad. Midfielder Nico O’Reilly, who has been playing as a left-back for Pep Guardiola might be asked to play in the left-back role, and Djed Spence, who was called up as a left-back into the squad is likely to play in his natural position which is right-back. It will be interesting to see if Reece James’ absence would prove to be costly for Tuchel’s squad.
