Reece James don ready for im World Cup debut, if England select am for di match tonight, and im don talk say im happy to dey work with Thomas Tuchel again.
Di Chelsea skipper dey part of di Three Lions squad, together with im Blues teammate Trevoh Chalobah wey dem call up late because of injury to fellow Cobham graduate Tino Livramento.
England, wey former Chelsea head coach Tuchel dey lead, go open dia campaign later today for Dallas Stadium, Arlington. James dey hope say im fit finally feature for World Cup after im miss out before because of injury.
And di man wey fit give am dat opportunity na somebody wey di right-back know well pass anybody for di squad. A man wey know wetin e mean to win major trophy, because of our successful Champions League win under di German for 2021.
James talk for interview wit England official app: ‘I had an amazing time with the manager together at Chelsea and I’m happy he’s the [England] boss. I’m glad to work with him again. Timing is everything [in football] and I’ve missed a few major tournaments. I’ve tried to be ready and be as well prepared as possible for this one, and I’ll give my country my all.’
James add: ‘For sure, that’s why we’re here [to win the World Cup]. We didn’t come to just take part, and as we speak, we’re on the mountain, still climbing. There’s still room to go for sure and it’s good the fans are in high spirits, but the tournament is yet to start for us so we have a long way to go.’
Meanwhile, James give Chelsea supporters timely World Cup reminder by completing England 4-2 win over Croatia for Dallas. Di Blues captain start for right-back for Thomas Tuchel Group L opener and, according to Chelsea official report, later move into midfield as England close out frantic contest.
Dat na di fresh detail Chelsea fans go take from di night. James don already get im tournament build-up cover from several angles, including im confirmed England start against Croatia, but full 90 minutes and late positional switch na more meaningful update than just dey name for di XI.
Di England match centre record 4-2 win, with Harry Kane score two times before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford strike for di second half. James no be di headline act, but dat almost suit di point. Chelsea know say im value no dey only for spectacular deliveries or one-v-one defending.
When im dey fit and sharp, im fit give side control for more dan one zone of di pitch. Dat matter after di earlier chaotic first-half picture. England dey twice peg back before di break, yet Tuchel trust James to stay on and help manage di final stage of di game.
Trevoh Chalobah no dey for di matchday squad after im late call-up, as Chelsea also note, so dis na very much James night from Stamford Bridge perspective. Wit Ghana next for England on Tuesday, di key now simple: more minutes, no fitness drama, and another reminder say Chelsea captain still change di shape of team when im dey right.
