Reece James pulls out of England squad in fresh Chelsea injury blow

James has endured some horrible luck with injuries this season. The 23-year-old was in excellent form prior to the Qatar World Cup but missed the tournament with a knee injury he suffered just weeks before Gareth Southgate named his squad.

He then suffered a further setback upon his return in January. That kept the Blues star out for a further month.

James earned a recall to the Three Lions squad for March’s opening Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine. He played the final 10 minutes of Thursday’s 2-1 victory over the Italians but has now withdrawn from international duty after picking up what has been described as a ‘minor’ hamstring problem.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea ‘hope’ that James’s withdrawal is precautionary. The wing-back has returned to the West Londoners’ Cobham training base for further assessments.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter will certainly hope that James’s issue is not long-term. The Blues have struggled amid absences to key players all season, with James only featuring in just 11 of their 27 Premier League games.

Southgate has decided not to call up a replacement for James and will instead go with the squad that played so well in the first half against Italy. The remainder of the England squad trained at St. George’s Park on Saturday, including left-back Luke Shaw who is suspended following his sending-off in Naples.

First-half goals by Declan Rice and Harry Kane was enough to see off Italy, despite a nervy ending with 10 men. Kane’s goal made him England’s all-time top scorer with 54 strikes.

The Three Lions now face an emotional clash with Ukraine at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. There is expected to be tributes to the victims and those who are suffering from Russia’s invasion of the country.

England will hope to make it two wins from two games to start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. That would put them well on course to qualify for the Germany-held tournament.