**Reece James has underlined his desire to make a major World Cup impact as England prepare to face Ghana tonight.** The Chelsea captain is in North America with Thomas Tuchel’s squad and has spoken about the importance of finally getting his chance on the game’s biggest stage after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
James’ comments arrive before England’s second Group L fixture against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday 23 June, with the Three Lions then due to face Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday 27 June.
Chelsea Captain Has Extra Summer Motivation
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The 26-year-old has already enjoyed one huge North American summer with Chelsea, having captained the Blues to Club World Cup success last year. Now the focus is different: proving his England value in a tournament he has long wanted to experience.
James said he has “always wanted to play in a World Cup” and added that he is excited by the bigger stakes, [according to Chelsea’s official interview with the defender](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/reece-james-im-excited-for-whats-ahead).
For Chelsea supporters, the significance is obvious. James’ fitness, rhythm and confidence have been recurring themes across recent seasons, and a strong England tournament would send him into the new domestic campaign with momentum. Tonight’s Ghana match offers the next chance to show he is ready for that level again.