Reece James’ quality never in doubt says Thomas Tuchel

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said Reece James’ quality is never in doubt after they registered a 3-0 win against Latvia in the World Cup Qualifers on Monday. James, who was starting for England in two years, scored from a free-kick in the 38th minute. 

In the second half, England captain Harry Kane scored in the 68th minute whereas Eberechi Eze scored in the 76th minute to put the game to bed. This was Tuchel’s second win as England’s manager in as many games since taking charge.

James made his England debut in 2022 but regular injuries have kept him on the sidelines more often than not.

“There cannot be any doubt about Reece’s quality, it’s the highest level,” Tuchel told reporters. “We were in close contact in the last weeks.

“We were clear he’d trained without pause and if he didn’t play it was the choice of the club, to protect him. We knew he was in a good space mentally.

“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.”

The right-back has played only 14 games this season for Chelsea as the Blues have been managing his workload with guile.

“I know the quality he has in that foot — it’s amazing. He has every right to be happy and proud of his performance. He’s in excellent shape,” Tuchel said.

“When we called him up he hadn’t had many games but it wasn’t due to injury, they were just taking care and managing him. He looks sharp and in shape.”

England will next take on Andorra on 7th June in the World Cup qualifiers.