Expert: Chelsea star told he will be first-choice for England on one condition
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Callum O'Connell
Mon 8 September 2025 12:55, UK
Chelsea star Reece James has been told he will be the first-choice right-back for England under Thomas Tuchel if he can overcome his injury issues.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Tuchel is a “big fan” of the 25-year-old after their time together at Stamford Bridge.
James starred in England’s 2-0 win against Andorra and provided an assist for Declan Rice while once again proving his value to the manager’s plans.
James has frequently impressed for England, and received high acclaim for his displays during the March internationals when he scored a free-kick in a 3-0 win against Latvia.
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England have a number of “problem positions” in the squad, with both full-back areas raising issues which will have to be resolved before next summer’s World Cup.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Ron Atkinson for over a decade at Man United, insisted that Tuchel sees James as his first-choice if he can stay fit.
“There are a few problem positions in the England squad,” he told Football Insider.
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“The full-backs are one of them, where a few questions are having to be asked.
“James looks like he’s going to be the first-choice right-back going into the World Cup, providing he can stay fit, because that’s always been an issue with him.
“He can come in and do really well for four or five games, but then he has another setback.
If he can stay fit, it certainly looks like he’s a favourite of Tuchel’s.
They worked together at Chelsea, so he’s obviously somebody he knows well.
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“Even with people like Trent Alexander-Arnold challenging for that position, I think when it comes down to a choice between the two, he prefers James.
“I watched him a lot when he was on loan at Wigan and thought he was outstanding, and since then he’s obviously gone on to be a key player for Chelsea.
“I still think if he’s fit and ready, he’s a fantastic right-back and a huge asset to England.
And it seems Tuchel shares my view on that, because he’s a big fan of his.
“The only concern is whether he’s going to be available – hopefully he will be.”
John Obi Mikel recently slammed James’ fitness issues after the defender missed 68 games for club and country since the start of the 2023-24 season.
Given Tuchel’s admiration of James and what he brings to the team, further questions have been raised about Alexander-Arnold’s international future.
The Real Madrid star failed to nail down a place under Gareth Southgate, and is now seeing his rivals cement themselves in the new manager’s plans.
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Tuchel may be forced to axe Alexander-Arnold again as a result of James’ impressive displays, having already left him out of the current squad.
He has started two of Madrid’s three La Liga games so far this season but has failed to cement his role in Xabi Alonso’s new-look Los Blancos side.
Should his struggles in Spain continue, the former Liverpool star is now at risk of missing out on the World Cup, giving the manager a huge decision to make.
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