Thomas Tuchel has described Reece James as a participant of the “highest quality” after the Chelsea defender scored his first objective for England within the 3-0 win in opposition to Latvia.
James was a shock inclusion in Tuchel’s first England squad however excelled when given the possibility after curling in his free-kick to interrupt the impasse on Monday night, in his first England begin in two-and-a-half years, three days after climbing off the bench in opposition to Albania.
The 25-year-old has been used sparingly by Chelsea this season, solely beginning 10 video games throughout all competitions as they proceed to watch his return from harm having missed 60 video games throughout the final two seasons, however acquired the call-up to work along with his former Blues boss with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured.
“There cannot be any doubt about Reece’s quality, it’s the highest level,” mentioned Tuchel following his efficiency within the World Cup qualifier vs Latvia. “We were in close contact in the last weeks.
“We have been clear he’d educated with out pause and if he did not play it was the selection of the membership, defending him. We knew he was in a great house mentally.
James’ high quality shines by way of when you think about how versatile he might be on the highest stage.
The Chelsea captain has operated as a defensive midfielder on three events within the top-flight this season however when Tuchel was requested about whether or not or not this could possibly be trialled on the worldwide stage, he admitted it won’t be finest suited to his taking part in type.
Tuchel continued: “If you play a dominant match like today he can be, like in the last 20 [minutes], a hybrid midfielder and help to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball.
“As soon as it is an open recreation and a variety of transitions by way of midfield I am not so certain it will swimsuit him completely.”
Tuchel: James looks so sharp
England’s Reece James (proper) celebrates with team-mate Declan Rice after scoring in opposition to Latvia
Tuchel continued to heap reward on James within the aftermath of the sport, the place he complimented the “excellent” form he was in and the way “sharp” he has seemed within the German’s first camp as England boss.
The duo labored with one another at Stamford Bridge, lifting the Champions League within the 2020/21 marketing campaign, and can now be hoping to duplicate these successes forward of the 2026 World Cup.
“I know the quality he has in that foot – it’s amazing,” he continued. “He has every right to be happy and proud of his performance. He’s in excellent shape.
“After we known as him up he hadn’t had many video games nevertheless it wasn’t attributable to harm, they have been simply taking care and managing him. He appears sharp and in form. Together with his high quality, there might be little doubt.”
James: I’ve had a frustrating journey back to England
Despite making his free-kick look easy and even refraining from celebrating in the aftermath of scoring his first goal for the national team, James was quick to highlight how long the road back to this point has been after several different hamstring setbacks across the last two years.
“It has been a very long time,” James told ITV. “I’ve had a irritating two and a half years however I am so pleased to get known as up and play for my nation.
England’s Reece James (proper) celebrates with team-mate Jude Bellingham after scoring a free-kick in opposition to Latvia
“I saw the wall and felt I could bend it around, thankfully it hit the back of the net. I was surprised it hit the net, I thought the goalkeeper could have got there but looking at the replay it was tough for him.”
England nonetheless missing a spark
Sky Sports activities Information’ Rob Dorsett at Wembley:
“Very much like Friday against Albania – this was a very professional, unfussy, and solid performance from England. But in truth – it lacked spark against a very poor opponent. Having said that, England should have scored a hatful of goals, with the chances they created.
“There was definitely a greater tempo and extra urgency throughout the crew, and there have been indicators that the gamers are responding to Tuchel’s calls for to be extra direct, extra aggressive, and play with extra tempo.
“Reece James was good, and his goal was sublime. Marcus Rashford was fiery, Morgan Rogers was impressive, Marc Guehi was far from his best. Everyone else was probably worthy of 6/10.
“Tuchel shall be happy however not rather more, you watched.”
