Thomas Tuchel has described Reece James as a player of the “highest quality” after the Chelsea defender scored his first goal for England in the 3-0 win against Latvia.
James was a surprise in Tuchel's first English team, but it excelled when they got the chance after curls in his free kick to break the impasse on Monday evening, in his first England start in two and a half years, three days after the bank's climb against Albania.
The 25-year-old was used sparingly by Chelsea this season, and only starts 10 games in all games while continuing to follow his return of an injury after missing 60 games in the past two seasons, but received the call-up to work with his former Blues boss with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out Burid.
“There can be no doubt about the quality of Reece, this is the highest level,” Tuchel said after his performance in the world cup qualification to Latvia. “We had close contact in recent weeks.
“We were clear that he would have trained without a break and if he didn't play, it was the choice of the club that protected him. We knew he was mentally in a good space.
The quality of James shines when you consider how versatile he can be at the highest level.
The Captain of Chelsea operated for three times in the top flight this season as a defensive midfielder, but when Tuchel was asked whether or not this could be tested on the international stage, he admitted that it might not be the most suitable for his playing style.
Tuchel continued: “If you play a dominant game like today he can be, as in the last 20 [minutes]A hybrid midfielder and helps to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball.
“As soon as it is an open game and many transitions through midfield, I am not sure that it would fit it perfectly.”
Tuchel: James looks so sharp
Tuchel stayed praise over James in the aftermath of the game, where he complimented the “excellent” form in which he was complimented and how “sharp” he looked at the first camp of German as an English boss.
The duo worked together at Stamford Bridge and lifted the Champions League in the 2020/21 campaign and now hopes to replicate these successes prior to the 2026 World Cup.
“I know the quality he has in that foot – it's great,” he continued. “He has the right to be happy and proud of his performance. He is in excellent form.
“When we called him, he hadn't had many games, but it was not due to an injury, they just walked ahead and managed him. He looks sharp and in shape. There is no doubt with his quality.”
James: I had a frustrating journey back to England
Despite the fact that his free kick looks easy and even abandoning celebrating in the aftermath of scoring his first goal for the national team, James Snel was emphasized how long the way back to this point was after several hamstring oppositions in the past two years.
“It's a long time ago,” said James ITV. “I had a frustrating two and a half years, but I am so happy to be called up and play for my country.
“I saw the wall and felt that I could bow it, luckily it hit the back of the net. I was surprised that it was just the net, I thought the keeper could have come there, but looking at the repetition it was difficult for him.”
England still misses a spark
Rob Dorsett from Sky Sports News at Wembley:
“Very bad like Friday against Albania – this was a very professional, boisterous and solid performance from England. But in reality, Vonk was missing a very poor opponent. Having said that, England should have scored a hatred with goals, with the opportunities they have created.
“There was certainly a better pace and more urgency in the team, and there were signs that the players respond to Tuchel's demands to be more aggressive and play with more pace.
“Reece James was good, and his goal was sublime. Marcus Rashford was fiery, Morgan Rogers was impressive, Marc Guehi was far from his best. All others was probably 6/10.
“Tuchel will be satisfied, but not much more, you suspect.”
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