Reece James is poised to make his first England start in nearly three years as manager Thomas Tuchel prepares to name his side for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia, according to [the BBC](https://x.com/SamiMokbel_BBC/status/1904224336749183255).
The Chelsea captain came off the bench in England’s 3-0 victory over Albania last Friday. He is expected to feature in the starting XI for the first time since September 2022.
Tuchel is a long-time admirer of the 25-year-old. James was a key player for the German tactician as they won the UEFA Champions League together at Chelsea.
Tuchel now has a key decision to make regarding James’s positioning, with the versatile full-back capable of operating on both the right and left flanks. James replaced left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly late in the match against Albania.
[James’ career has been hampered by a string of injuries](https://footballtoday.com/2024/11/28/chelsea-defender-reece-james-to-miss-the-rest-of-the-year-through-injury/), limiting his opportunities to cement a regular starting role for the Three Lions.
However, Tuchel is a firm believer in his abilities and appears eager to reintegrate him into the England set-up. England fans will be watching closely to see how James fares on his long-awaited return to the starting eleven.
Elsewhere, England’s attacking plans have been reshuffled following Anthony Gordon’s withdrawal from the squad due to a hip injury.
The Newcastle United winger had been tipped to start. However, he has returned to his club for treatment. His absence paves the way for Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been called up as a replacement, though it remains uncertain how many changes Tuchel will make to the line-up.
As England look to build momentum following their dominant display against Albania, their opponents tonight, Latvia, are seeking a historic breakthrough.
The Baltic nation has never qualified for a World Cup and has only appeared at one major tournament – the 2004 European Championship in Portugal – where they managed a solitary point against Germany.