Thomas Tuchel has brought Reece James back into the England fold after the Chelsea captain's injury struggles, but questions remain over how he will be used long-term
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Reece James on England duty
Reece James has been recalled to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea captain John Terry sees Reece James' future at right-back despite Enzo Maresca using the Blues skipper in midfield. England manager Thomas Tuchel appears to agree with Terry, but ex-Chelsea star Pat Nevin sees things very differently.
James played just four Premier League games before Christmas, with hamstring issues limiting his involvement. Since returning, though, he has been used in midfield as well as at right-back as Chelsea boss Maresca contends with the absence of some senior stars.
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Thomas Tuchel who used the defender as part of his Champions League winning Chelsea squad in 2021, called James into his first England squad since taking over as Three Lions manager. If the Chelsea man starts against Albania or Latvia, it would be the first time he has done so for his country since September 2022.
"I still feel he is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions," Tuchel said of James. The 25-year-old has been included in the squad following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who got minutes in midfield under previous England managers despite remaining at right-back at club level.
Terry, who has spent time on Chelsea's coaching staff on and off since retiring in 2017, agrees. "I see him as a defender," he told BBC Sport. "I don't like it, to be honest, people drifting in [to midfielder] I think it is more confusing."
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"Midfielders are very comfortable with their back to goal," Terry continued. "When defenders step into those roles it is probably the opposite, we are probably not as comfortable receiving the ball with our back to goal.
"A very different role and first and foremost, talking about the 2005-06 season, we conceded 15 goals and top teams are built around good foundations and I think you need that. To be able to do that, you need a back four or a solid back three in place."
John Terry in 2024
John Terry still sees James as a right-back(Image: Getty Images)
Nevin, however, has seen enough from James to give him belief he has the qualities not just to play in midfield but to thrive there. The former Scotland star, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge, told CasinoHawks he believes James might even be better equipped than Alexander-Arnold when it comes to making the transition.
"I rate Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Reece James’ defending was phenomenal," Nevin said. "Holding the ball was great. Crossing was exceptional. Energy levels, every box ticked.
Reece James during Arsenal vs Chelsea
James has earned minutes in midfield at club level(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
"I don't think he's got that anymore but it's not his fault, just injuries. I don't think he can wrap his foot around the ball that way to that level anymore. So I think he's got options now. You can play him as a right midfielder or a right fullback, but not a wing back to do that job to the same level. That's asking too much. Certainly in midfield, I have always felt that would be his best position anyway.
"I don't think the energy levels are needed but he's got all those attributes you need to play in that position. So where his body's at, I think the centre of midfield is nailed for him. So if he can keep fit and play that position, he really could be among the very, very best in that position in the world."
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