Reece James is starting for England, but Chelsea fans know he needs to be managed very carefully thanks to his injury history.
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Compared to recent years, there is unusually little Chelsea representation in the England squad at the World Cup.
Trevoh Chalobah has just been called up from the stand-by list, but apart from him it’s just Reece James.
James was great last night, putting in a couple of crosses which Harry Kane almost scored from and switching into midfield later in the game. But we were stunned to see him play the full 90. This is a guy who needs his minutes managed more than almost anyone else.
Pundits predict James rest after 90 minute start to World Cup
Pundits felt the same way. Joe Cole predicted rest at some point for the full back:
“I love Reece, but I don’t think he can play eight games in a short period of time, eight intense games. Thomas [Tuchel ]will know that.”
His fellow pundit Harry Maguire agreed, speculating that James could miss one of the two group games:
“I think Reece, in the knockout games, I think he [Tuchel] plays Reece. I think it’s more, he might rest Reece in the next couple of group games, but I think Reece is top,” Maguire said, disagreeing with Cole.
In other news…
Chelsea are considering selling Malo Gusto, and have already been in talks with two clubs about the French full back.
Real Madrid are not in “club to club” talks with Chelsea over Enzo Fernandez yet according to a top insider.
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