Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from England duty after a legendary international career, with Reece James in line to start for his country at the World Cup.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel is clearly a massive fan of James, who he had in his Chelsea XI that beat Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
Tuchel has even overused James at times, causing concern at Stamford Bridge as they desperately try to keep him fit on a regular basis.
Who are you starting on the left vs PSG?
Kyle Walker says Reece James is the ‘complete’ defender
Walker was speaking about his international retirement on The Overlap, and admitted that it was time for him to move aside for James to make the right-back position his own.
He said: “There’s enough cover there to then say that sometimes you have to move aside to let other people go. I think, for me, as I’ve said it before, that Reece James is a top quality player, and he needs to obviously go and keep that shirt if he wants to keep it, if he wants to obviously put in the performances, but if not, he’s got other people that are just behind him that are going to be probably picking at his heels to try and get that shirt.
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When asked if James was the pick of the bunch, Walker said:
“I think it’d be unfair for me to say Reece James completely. Because Trent has been to a couple of tournaments now and has been pushing me all the way. And I think the other, you know, Djed and Tino have been incredible, especially for Newcastle.
“Tino’s done fantastically well. And obviously down to injuries, he’s probably not hit the peak that he wants to in this season. But I think there’s enough cover.”
“But for Reece, I think he’s probably the complete right back.”
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At £60m, he seems to be a bit of a bargain!
Chelsea are currently reaping the rewards of a fully-fit James being regularly available, something they have been waiting for three seasons to experience.
It will put an end to any tiny doubts about his contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2027. James is currently Chelsea’s best-paid player.
With reports that James has ambitions to stay at Stamford Bridge for life, there will be excitement that there is a long career ahead both for club and country for the skipper.
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