Reece James to miss World cup as Southgate selects squad

Chelsea’s Reece James has been informed by England manager Gareth Southgate that he will not be traveling with the team to Qatar for the World Cup.

Midway through October, James suffered a knee injury against AC Milan. Since then, he has been working hard to try to regain his fitness.

The 22-year-old had hoped that by the end of the month, he would be able to play and would be available for England’s final group match against Wales on November 29.

However, Southgate has chosen not to select James after consulting with England’s medical team because they don’t think he will be fit enough to play a significant role in the tournament.

Reece James’ injury update

James had flown to Dubai at the beginning of November in an effort to hasten his recovery, but with Southgate set to announce his final 26-man squad on Thursday, he has been unable to persuade both the England manager and his medical team that he will be prepared.

James would have been accepted by Southgate if there had been assurances regarding a return date, but the Three Lions medical staff, who have maintained constant contact with James and Chelsea, told him they were unable to provide a specific time frame for his return to play.

James has been benched alongside teammate Ben Chilwell, who will also miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury, according to sources who have confirmed Southgate’s move.

Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, who are both close to making their injury comebacks, have been informed that they will be included in the final 26-player squad, which Southgate will announce on Thursday.