Chelsea sending off proves James is no longer England's top right back

Suraj Radia

25 Nov 2023 18:09 GMT
3 min read

Reece James, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Reece James was once considered England’s best right-back and one of the best players in the world in his position but the Chelsea captain’s display against Newcastle perhaps proves just how much his stock has fallen in recent times.

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James was sent off at St James’ Park for a needless second booking with his side two goals down, more born out of frustration rather than a genuine attempt to do the best for his team as they put in a lacklustre display in a 4-1 loss.

The 23-year-old has endured a rough time since Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2021, being limited to just 22 Premier League appearances since then due to injury and a solitary cap for England.

Right back has been a competitive spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad and James was picked over Trent Alexander-Arnold for England’s Euro 2020 campaign, however he may not be as fortunate for the upcoming tournament next summer.

Alexander-Arnold scored and put in a man-of-the-match display for Liverpool against Manchester City on a pitch containing compatriot Kyle Walker, while James also faced off against England rival Kieran Trippier for Newcastle – and of the four, it was clear which player failed to impress in the match ups.

It could likely come down to form for Southgate over which right-back to leave at home for Euro 2024 and James’ performance, discipline and general attitude in a poor defensive performance proves he has a long way to go to regain his reputation as an elite, undroppable star for club and country.

James needs to mature game just like Alexander-Arnold

James penned a long-term contract with Chelsea last year making him one of the best-paid defenders in the world and he was also appointed as club captain following Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure.

But James’ decisions, not for the first time, have called into question his leadership ability and maturity, with his petulant bookings for dissent and clumsy fouls demonstrating the opposite of leading by example, especially for a player who misses so many games through injury as it is.

However, injuries or not, the player's decline mirrors that of Chelsea’s – unconvincing, naive and still with a lot to learn to live up to past glories – criticism which his rivals for England such as Alexander Arnold have also had to deal to deal with.

© ProShots - Trent Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a resurgence for club and country after a difficult period in his career

Football, of course, is a fickle sport, meaning a period of fitness and form could see James reinvigorate his career in a similar way to the Liverpool star, who has slotted into midfield for Southgate and learned to deal with the defensive pressure often thrust his way.

Although James, like Alexander-Arnold, may find himself facing the reality of missing out on a major international tournament before returning to his peak, with the Chelsea skipper a long way off his international teammates in becoming a reliable and consistent performer.