Chelsea skipper Reece James has withdrawn from the England national team squad due to an injury. He incurred the injury when Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2โ1. He had played the entire game but will now have a period of rest instead of an international return.
What we know so far: Recce James Injury
Football Association confirms Reece James “sustained an injury” in that game. He is pulled out of England‘s next games. Which are a Wembley friendly with Wales and a World Cup qualifier in Latvia. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly takes his place in a first senior England call-up.
O’Reilly has represented England’s youth teams. England manager Thomas Tuchel (note: yes, here he is England manager) has made this move. So that is supported by a number of authoritative sources. The injury being the reason. There is currently no suggestion of a long-term problem.
Who is Reece James?
Reece James is Chelsea captain and England superstar. He won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup in 2021 and UEFA Europa Conference League & FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. He is valued for his strength, aggressive defending and attacking nature. James can overlap and deliver deadly crosses. This combines defensive solidity with panache.
Who is Nico O’ Reilly ?
Nico O’Reilly, 20, is a Manchester City midfielder. He is a player who comes in from the left as an attacking or central midfielder. This is with left-back cover to fall back on. He is praised for composure, technical ability, vision, work-rate. He has an unique capacity to take the ball through. Riley is Tactically clever and physically present. Overall – O’Reilly is good.
Why this concerns Chelsea and England
1. Loss of a major leader
James, Chelsea captain and regular England defender when fit, is an important loss. Chelsea is already dealing with injury blues, and having their leader potentially out for another few weeks is adding to the worry.
2. Options at right-back limited
The depth of available right-backs in England is less now. Other namesโKyle Walker, Kieran Trippier (retired), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento. They are injured or out of the equation. The selection of O’Reilly as cover emphasizes how short England is of options at the moment.
3. O’Reilly’s opportunity
It is O’Reilly’s moment of glory. Though a midfielder by trade, he has played at left-back for Guardiola this season. He has shown his defensive versatility. England will hope that he steps up to the occasion. And he can replace James in his absence.
4. Rest and recovery of James
Chelsea‘s staff of physicians will be tending to James’ recovery over the international break. Using the break to recharge is sensible, especially considering James’ setback history with injuries.
A glance at James’ Injury History & Resilience
Reece James has been troubled with injuries frequently throughout his career. Before that, he had returned from hamstring surgery and had had repeated injury alarms. Despite that, his quality is never in question. Thomas Tuchel (when he was in charge of England) once spoke about James’s fitness and brilliance when on the pitch.
So despite the concern of injury, James’s record is that if he overcomes it, he returns strongly.
What’s next?
Chelsea will investigate the injury in more detail. We may find out if it is minor (a cut or muscle pull) or more severe. England will continue with O’Reilly and the rest of the squad for the Wales warm-up and Latvia match. Chelsea fans will be watching closely, as James’s availability is paramount to club and country. If he has a minor injury, he may be able to return in a matter of weeks. If it is more significant, the Blues will need to adapt their defense while he is out.
Author’s Insight
Reece James is excluded from England’s squad on the basis of injury, following his full 90 minutes of Chelsea‘s 2โ1 win over Liverpool.ย ย Nico O’Reilly is the replacement, earning his first senior England call-up.
