Reece James in action for Wigan Athletic in 2019placeholder image
Reece James in action for Wigan Athletic in 2019
Former Wigan Athletic favourites Reece James and Dan Burn have been named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming internationals against Serbia and Albania.
Chelsea defender James enjoyed an unforgettable loan spell with Latics at the beginning of his professional career as an 18-year-old, making 45 appearances for Latics in the 2018/19 season.
James scooped three awards at Wigan’s end-of-season awards that year, winning Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Goal of the Season. He was also named in the Championship Team of the Season.
Since returning to Chelsea, the 25-year-old has made more than 130 appearances for the Blues and won 21 caps for England.
Meanwhile, Burn played more than 100 games for Wigan between 2016 and 2018, as well as a loan spell the following season after moving to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 6ft 7in defender has been with boyhood club Newcastle United since 2022, and made his England debut earlier this year, with four caps to his name so far.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Manchester City ace Phil Foden have returned to the England squad, whilst Tuchel has handed a first senior call-up to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
The Euro 2024 runners-up are stepping up preparations for next summer's World Cup, having secured qualification with two matches to spare.
England round off Group K with next Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia and a trip to Albania three days later, with Tuchel selecting a 25-man squad for November's camp.
Bournemouth midfielder Scott was the most eye-catching inclusion. Part of England's triumphant Under-21 European Championship side, the 22-year-old has received his maiden call-up.
Nico O'Reilly and Jarell Quansah are the other uncapped players involved, while there are recalls for Adam Wharton and Nick Pope.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and Ollie Watkins have dropped out.
England’s 25-man squad for November internationals: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope (goalkeepers); Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Jarrel Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones (defenders); Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Alex Scott, Adam Wharton (midfielders), Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka (forwards).
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