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James expected to start at left-back as Tuchel prepares to experiment against Andorra

02:30 PM BST

Reece James is in line to be trialled at left-back by England manager Thomas Tuchel in what promises to be an experimental and attacking starting line-up against Andorra in Barcelona this evening.

Tuchel’s most natural defensive midfielder Declan Rice is expected to be among the substitutes, which points to the England head coach sending his team out very much on the front foot.

It is understood that James has been primed to play on the left side with Curtis Jones potentially starting as an inverted right-back and Rice being given a rest.

That may open the door for Jordan Henderson, who has not started for England since November 2023, to make an appearance in midfield. Conor Gallagher has been left out of the matchday squad.

On Friday, James said that his preferred position is at right-back but Tuchel needs to look at his options on the left with Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelley the only natural left-back in his squad.

Tuchel has previously said that he does not believe James is suited to midfield, despite him playing in that role for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.

Asked about his best position, James said: “My preferred position is right-back. I’ve been playing there for a number of years now.”

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is in line to play in the centre of defence with Newcastle United’s Dan Burn hoping to be given another chance to impress Tuchel.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer is said to have been England’s best performer in training in Spain and he may be rewarded with a role in what should be an attacking England line-up that could also include his club team-mate Noni Madueke, captain Harry Kane and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.

Bukayo Saka has been left out of the squad after Tuchel revealed that the Arsenal forward had only completed one full training session during the week due to a small fitness issue.

It was confirmed on Friday that Ollie Watkins would be leaving the squad to return to England as precaution due to a minor injury.

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