Chelsea full-back Reece James celebrated his long-awaited return to the England starting line-up with his first goal for the Three Lions.
The 25-year-old returned to the squad for the first time since March 2023 in the current international break.
New England boss Thomas Tuchel gave him a late cameo against Albania on Friday night as the team came out as 2-0 winners.
James was brought into the starting XI for Monday night’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley Stadium, replacing Kyle Walker.
As expected, England faced a Latvia side determined to keep their opponents out for as long as possible.
Chances came and went for England before Myles Lewis-Skelly won a free-kick in a dangerous area.
And James made the most of the opportunity, putting the ball into the top right corner from the dead ball to give the Three Lions the lead.
It was the full-back’s first goal for the national team in his 18th cap.
Despite it being his debut goal and the quality of the strike, James didn’t really celebrate and instead stood and took it all in as his teammates congratulated him.
Speaking on commentary on ITV Sport, former England man Lee Dixon said: "I don't know whether there's anything in that celebration or lack of."
"He would have been enjoying it on there inside. We certainly enjoyed it here."
Injuries have impacted James since making his England debut in October 2020.
This season he has missed two different periods of games due to a hamstring injury. He has however been back in the Chelsea squad all-but-one of the last nine Premier League games, only missing the win against Leicester through illness.
The Chelsea man will hope that injuries are now behind him, with the England goal marking his return to the highest level. He will return to action for the Blues when they take on Tottenham at home in the Premier League on Thursday, April 3 (8pm kick-off).
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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