Chelsea captain Reece James is looking like a shoo-in to start for his country at the World Cup in North America next summer.
Thomas Tuchel has shown a liking to James since he became England manager, clearly looking back on the positive times they enjoyed together at Stamford Bridge.
With him now about a year on from his last serious injury, the full-back is looking as if he has overcome his regular fitness woes which were threatening to derail his career.
Enzo Maresca deserves credit for protecting James and making sure he can compete regularly for the Blues, however this has at times seen his workload reduced when he is on the pitch.
England v Serbia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Reece James proves attacking abilities in England’s win over Serbia
However, the full-back’s performance in England’s 2-0 win over Serbia has left some questioning whether Chelsea fans are still not seeing the best of James as a result
The Independent praised the Englishman’s ability going forwards, saying: “Given a more adventurous role than at Chelsea with license to surge on the overlap and offer some attack threat. A typically solid performance.”
The Evening Standard stated: “Has the right-back spot in this team nailed down. So solid defensively and combined well with Saka going forward.”
GiveMeSport also praised James, saying: “Had a really good game. Defensively strong and put in some dangerous crosses from the right.”
Even when he has been fit of late, the traditional right-back has still appeared in other positions on occasion.
James started in midfield against Tottenham, although that decision paid off after his dominant display.
Chelsea defender Reece James speaking to Enzo Maresca
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
James’ attacking numbers are down
In the 2021/22 season, James scored six goals and provided nine assists in just 32 games, ironically when it was in Tuchel in charge of Chelsea.
He and Ben Chilwell were proving to be just as big a threat as the club’s attackers, however since then the numbers are not nearly as high.
Since that season to now, the skipper has six goals and eight assists to his name, clearly not reaching the same numbers.
Maresca should remember just how deadly James can be in the final third, and how much more he has to give for Chelsea now he seems fully fit at last.