For the second consecutive summer, Reece James is in North America trying to win a global tournament. He hopes to see England rise to the challenge of facing the best teams in the world, just as Chelsea did a year ago.
James captained us to glory in the Club World Cup, and there will be a sense of déjà vu when he arrives at the New York New Jersey Stadium for England’s third group game against Panama. That was where we triumphed against Paris Saint-Germain – and it will host this final of this summer’s tournament, too.
Having missed out in Qatar four years ago, James wants to make an impression this time around, as he told us in an exclusive interview before setting off for the States.
‘I’ve always wanted to play in a World Cup,’ says our skipper.
‘The last one I didn’t make, it wasn’t meant to be that year, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.
‘It’s always a better vibe when there’s big stakes on the line and you’re playing against the best teams in the world.’
England's 2026 World Cup group games
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England vs CroatiaGroup LDallas StadiumWednesday 17 June
9pm (UK)
England vs GhanaGroup LBoston StadiumTuesday 23 June
9pm (UK)
Panama vs EnglandGroup LNew York New Jersey StadiumSaturday 27 June
10pm (UK)