The "Daily Mail" recently talked about Chelsea captain Reece James. He has successfully set an example in the locker room, and he has even been called a "beast" within the team. Before attending a press conference on behalf of En...
The "Daily Mail" recently talked about Chelsea captain Reece James. He has successfully set an example in the locker room, and he has even been called a "beast" within the team.
Before attending a press conference on behalf of England, Reece James and the team's press officer were prepared to answer at least one question about his injury history. But no reporter asked this question at the scene, because James is now very healthy. The last time he had a hamstring problem was this time last year. James has won Tuchel's trust.
The topics discussed on the spot were next summer's World Cup, the high temperature and humid weather in the United States, the Club World Cup, Tuchel's management skills and other topics. And most importantly, how James has become more of a leader over the past two seasons.
Sources within Chelsea said that during this period, they have seen positive changes in the 25-year-old right back while staying healthy. Blues coach Maresca criticized James for his lack of leadership midway through last season, and when he was sidelined again with a hamstring problem, the captain's armband was also put in doubt.
These are things of the past. James has become more and more confident in the dressing rooms at Cobham and Stamford Bridge, and his authoritative image has become taller and taller.
For example, in the past few weeks, James has implemented a new rule that when the first-half buzzer sounds, Blues players are no longer allowed to walk alone back to the tunnel. Instead, James asked them to come together and walk down the aisle together as a unit. He thinks this is important because it shows they are a team.
James hopes to become a leader both at Chelsea and the national team. He believes that leadership comes not only from him alone, but also through what he calls a "leadership team" that collectively sets high standards. Previously, although third goalkeeper Bettinelli only made one appearance in four years with the Blues, he has been an important member of the team. This summer, the 33-year-old Bettinelli moved to Manchester City. Now, James’ “senior deputies” include Adarabioyo, Enzo and Caicedo.
Although James seemed very quiet off the court, at the national team's press conference, his voice was even difficult to capture with a recorder. But one Chelsea insider said James was a "beast" as a rival. As a winner, James only shows passion at critical moments.
James is the older player in the Chelsea team. The average age of the Premier League Blues' starting lineup this season is 24 years and 147 days. In the England team, he is a young man. The average age of the Three Lions' latest roster is 26 years and 221 days.
James told reporters that he wants to be seen as a leader for both club and national team and is working hard to show that, even if there is no shortage of more experienced teammates around him. For James, ensuring appearance rate is very important. Chelsea have sufficient "guarantees" in this regard to enable him to reach the rhythm of playing on Wednesdays every week.
In addition to the coaching staff and medical team, he also privately thanked the performance department led by former FA member Kavanagh for helping him achieve his current attendance rate. Specifically, this includes customizing a training plan, studying the effects of training, and gradually increasing his playing time.
Chelsea also encouraged James to listen to his body's signals. He repeatedly chose to withdraw cautiously when he sensed discomfort during the game. Minutes before the game against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, James felt something was wrong during warm-up and withdrew from the starting lineup. James also withdrew from England's games against Wales and Latvia last month out of precaution.
In addition to this mature attitude, his performance at Chelsea also made him the number one right back of the England team. Maresca also trusts James as a midfielder. This new position reduces the pressure on him to sprint frequently on the right and also provides an option for Tucheldo.
Tuchel admires James very much and hopes that he can remain fully healthy for next summer's World Cup. James is also determined to participate in this World Cup because he is not satisfied with his performance in major events.
James only played once in the 2020 European Cup, which was a 0-0 draw with Scotland. He missed the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Cup due to injury. These experiences fully explain why James is so eager to represent the Three Lions in the 2026 World Cup.
We no longer question why James is always injured, but more want to know whether he can lead the England team to great results in the World Cup like he led Chelsea in the Club World Cup. This is undoubtedly a major change.
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