Gareth Southgate informed the injured Chelsea right-back, Reece James, that he will not be included in England’s World Cup team.
Since suffering knee ligament damage against Milan last month, James has been racing to recuperate for Qatar. He was optimistic that he would be eligible for the knockout stages, but Southgate has opted not to take a chance on the defender’s health. England’s first match against Iran comes on November 21, and there are hints that James will not be available until December.
Ben Chilwell, Chelsea’s left-back, has suffered a torn hamstring, dealing England’s boss another devastating blow. Southgate, who will unveil his 26-man team on Thursday, must also make a difficult decision about Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker of Manchester City.
However, optimism is building that Southgate may take a chance on Phillips. The midfielder has been sidelined since September shoulder surgery, but he is expected to play in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Chelsea for City. Walker, who had groyne surgery last month, is also regarded to have a solid chance of making Southgate’s roster.
Walker, who can play at right-back and right center-back, has been England’s speed demon. However, they must make adjustments without James, who was favored to start in the right wing-back position. Before his injury, the 22-year-old had been in terrific form. He resumed outside jogging this week and hoped to demonstrate his fitness to Southgate. However, there was no assurance that James would be fit for England’s group matches against Iran, Wales, and the United States.
Wednesday, James tweeted: “Devastated. I knew from the moment I damaged my knee that my chances of making the World Cup would be slim, but I always believed it was possible. I worked harder than I thought possible to give myself the best opportunity of going, and I genuinely believed I could contribute to the squad. I recognise there was a risk on both sides, but I was willing to assume it. Best wishes to the lads.”
Southgate is anticipated to adjust by employing Kieran Trippier of Newcastle as a right wing-back. James’s absence is also likely to be excellent news for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White of Liverpool, and it could also be good news for Ben White. This season, the Arsenal center-back has succeeded as a right-back for his club.
Defense is England’s primary concern. Since August, Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire has started only one Premier League game, and Southgate’s left-back choices are limited due to Chilwell’s unavailability. Chilwell hoped to compete with Luke Shaw for a wing-back position. Southgate could have selected Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon or Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, but Leicester’s James Justin was injured in Tuesday’s victory against Newport. Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton is also hurt. Southgate could choose to cover Shaw with Trippier. England has used Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as a left wing-back.
Southgate must decide whether to recall Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, who has had an excellent start to the season. Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, and Callum Wilson are contending for positions as front-line assistants to Harry Kane.
