It is just 10 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup, and Chelsea captain Reece James has been on media duty ahead of representing the Three Lions in America, Mexico and Canada.
James is the only Chelsea player picked by Thomas Tuchel to represent England across the pond, with Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill overlooked by the former Chelsea boss. England face Croatia on the 17th.
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It sees James reunite with Tuchel, having played under the German manager during his 18-month stint at Stamford Bridge. In fact, Tuchel was the first manager sacked by BlueCo following their takeover in 2022.
To many, that was a mistake. BlueCo got rid of Tuchel and hired Graham Potter as his replacement, which lasted just 32 games. Martin Keown believes the decisions to sack Tuchel and Enzo Maresca were wrong.
Reece James thinks Thomas Tuchel is one of the world’s best
BlueCo, semi-experienced after four years and clearly learning from their own mistakes, if their perceived approach to this summer’s window is anything to go by, will know sacking Tuchel was the wrong move.
England Press Conference
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
If they didn’t, James has just made it clear, thanks to his interview with GQ. Asked about Tuchel, the Blues skipper made it clear that he feels Tuchel is one of the world’s best, and gets the best out of his players.
“He’s one of the best. He’s won at the highest level. He’s managed a number of world-class teams and I believe in him, his style of play and what he wants. He brings the best out of individuals and the team.”
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There is no doubt that Tuchel is one of the world’s best managers. Even in his 100 games as Chelsea manager, he clocked up 60 wins. A record that the likes of Rosenior and Potter could only dream of.
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Mount is a massive fan of Tuchel too, having worked under him at Chelsea. Recently, he said: “Thomas [Tuchel] comes to mind. His amount of experience and big trophies that he won. I learned a lot from him.”
The future for Chelsea is Xabi Alonso, and if the Spaniard can get Chelsea back to the form of winning almost two every three games, then he will be a success. For James, focus is firstly on the World Cup.
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