Chelsea captain Reece James just made his first England start in two-and-a-half years during Monday night’s win over Latvia.
England beat Latvia 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in a World Cup qualifier, which makes it two wins from two to start the Thomas Tuchel era as the Three Lions manager.
Reece James, 25, has seen his international career completely stall in recent years due to a frustrating stop-start time at Chelsea because of injuries. However, James received an England call-up during this March international break for the first time since 2023.
On Monday night, James made his first start for his country since September 2022 against Germany.
The versatile player, who starred at right-back, broke the deadlock as well against Latvia with a stunning free-kick from distance that was whipped into the top corner.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Reece James earns huge praise in the national press
The national media picked out Chelsea star James as a real bright spark from England’s home victory over Latvia.
The Daily Mail wrote: “Reece James – 8/10. Stunning 30-yard free kick, with whip and bend, illuminated a drab game. Nonchalant non-celebration indicates he knew how good it was.”
BBC Sport said: “Reece James: Made his first start for England since September 2022 and capped it with a free-kick of the highest quality. The Chelsea captain attacked well and linked up nicely with Morgan Rogers and Jarrod Bowen, showing that if he can stay fit he can be a real asset for the Three Lions. 8/10.”
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The Telegraph wrote: “Reece James: His fabulous free-kick was the highlight of the night. A gorgeous strike, arced into the top corner. Also produced some lovely crosses from the right flank. 8/10.”
Minutes played Goals Accurate passes Accurate crosses Interceptions Dribbled past Recoveries Match rating
90 1 96/96 (99%) 2/3 (67%) 2 1 8 8.8
Reece James’ England display vs Latvia via FOTMOB
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca prefers James in central midfield, which is where he’s played in his recent club appearances. However, he was used in a more familiar right-back role for England this week.
If we had to choose, we much prefer the Blues academy graduate playing at full-back, where he’s proven in the past he can be one of the world’s best in that position.
James says he’ll improve in midfield if Maresca continues to use him there, but we think we’ll see the best from the Chelsea skipper at right-back.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Harry Kane reaction to Reece James’ free-kick for England
England captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane, 31, scored his customary goal in the Latvia win.
However, he applauded Three Lions teammate James for the quality of his free-kick.
Kane told ITV Football: “The way Reece hits the ball it’s like loads of top spin. We’re seeing him shooting training yesterday. To be fair the ball’s quite far out so we weren’t sure if it was a bit too far for him but I’ve just watched it back there and incredible precision and power. He gets that lift on the ball. What a fantastic goal.”
We suspect Chelsea fans will be crying out for James to take some more set-pieces when he rejoins them.
Even though he’s got incredible technique and quality, he doesn’t score too many free-kicks.
Season For Against
2018/19 Wigan Athletic Leeds United
2024/25 Chelsea Bournemouth
Reece James goals from direct free-kicks at club level via Transfermarkt
Incidentally, Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is on 3 April away to rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.