Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Reece James, who was a key factor of his Chelsea facet that gained the Champions League in 2021.
And the German confirmed this by bringing the 25-year-old defender straight into his first England squad as quickly as he was assured of his return to health following the newest in a succession of great hamstring accidents.
James additionally wasted no time in proving his high quality, albeit towards low-calibre opposition, with a show of bodily energy and high quality that can stake a critical declare for England’s right-back slot.
He’s the identikit participant and character Tuchel needs to construct his England round, with the physicality that makes him snug on the elite ranges, but in addition the technical means.
James demonstrated what he can supply with an early problem that left a Latvian dazed then, extra considerably, with the peerlessly delivered free-kick that lastly broke the impasse simply as England have been beginning to present their frustrations.
If James can keep match, Tuchel is prone to make him a central determine in his bid to win the World Cup subsequent yr.
Former England goalkeeper Rob Inexperienced, talking on BBC Radio 5 Stay:
“I like Reece James. He is an excellent footballer. There are query marks over each right-backs.
“The place will Walker be in a yr’s time? What stage in his profession, what form are we taking a look at going into the World Cup?
“No one doubts James’ high quality, mentality, intelligence. He is a match man and his physique lets him down every so often.
“Should you may take Walker’s health and put it into James’ physique you’ve got acquired somebody who will be there at finish of the World Cup and who can match anybody on the planet.”