Reece James injury: England defender to miss World Cup with injury but Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips has chance
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ByEurosport
Updated 09/11/2022 at 13:11 GMT
The Chelsea defender will become the latest player to miss the World Cup in a cruel blow thanks to the poorly-timed scheduling that sees the tournament being held in the middle of the season. It is also a blow to Gareth Southgate having already lost Ben Chilwell and now adding Reece James to that list, despite the plethora of options he has at right-back.
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Chelsea defender Reece James will not be taken to the World Cup due to the knee injury he suffered against AC Milan, according to widespread reports.
There had been hopes that James, 22, would just about be fit enough to be included in England manager Gareth Southgate's squad, but reports say that the latter no longer feels that he can risk taking the right-back.
It is a big blow to Southgate, who over the weekend saw another Chelsea defender, Ben Chilwell, ruled out with an injury suffered in the Champions League group stage finale against Dinamo Zagreb.
In more positive news, it sounds as if Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips should be included, and is expected to play tonight against Chelsea in the EFL Cup. His club team-mate Kyle Walker also has a good chance of making the squad.
In a statement on social media James said "Devastated. The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turn-around to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible.
"I've worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team. I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take.
"Good luck to the boys. I'll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love."
In James’ place Southgate will likely rely on Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier whilst it could also mean an inclusion for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold or even Arsenal's Ben White, who has been a surprise performer in that position this season. Walker can also be used there but Southgate has also used him at centre-back.
With Chilwell out Manchester United’s Luke Shaw is expected to become the start at left-back. Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham Hotspur or Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell could join the squad as his deputy.
Southgate is expected to confirm the final squad on Thursday November 10 at 2pm UK time.
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