Reece James has broken his silence after news he would miss out on England’s World Cup squad due to a knee injury – with the Chelsea star admitting he is ‘devastated’.
The right-back has dealt a huge blow to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate after news he would not be fit in time to make the trip to Qatar, with fans also left crushed by his absence.
He pulled up with the problem during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at AC Milan last month and has been working hard in training – but simply ran out of time to recover.
Southgate will now have to choose between Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker – who is also hoping to be fit in time for the tournament after picking up an injury – at right back as he prepares to name his World Cup squad on Thursday.
Speaking for the first time since the news he would not make the World Cup, James revealed his agony at missing out – and insists he gave everything to get fit for Southgate’s men this Winter.
‘Devastated,’ he wrote on Twitter. ‘The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turn around to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible.
‘I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team.
‘I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.’
James spoke to Southgate last week to update the England boss on his recovery from a knee injury.
Of the injured trio, James was furthest behind in his recovery. He has only just started running, and even then without intensity. The Chelsea defender is understood to be devastated by the decision.
He is set to step up his rehabilitation programme in the coming days, adding more turns to his running which will test out his injured knee.
But Southgate’s doubts over James’ availability for the tournament proved to be the telling factor, even though the player believed he could feature in the latter stages.