Darren Bent decides if he would start Chelsea's Reece James in England's best XI
Darren Bent has picked the England team he would start at next year’s World Cup tournament, making key decisions over Chelsea duo Reece James and Cole Palmer.
England are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. How many Chelsea players will be part of Thomas Tuchel’s team if they make it to the major international competition, though?
At the moment, Reece James is the only Blues player in England’s squad for the current international break, where the Three Lions face Andorra (6 September) and Serbia (9 September) in World Cup qualifiers. It feels like the 25-year-old star can win the long-term argument over the right-back position if he can continue to stay fit.
John Terry called James a difference-maker for Chelsea when he’s playing regularly, so can he do the same thing on the international stage?
Cole Palmer, 23, is absent for his country because of a groin problem that caused him to miss the last two Premier League matches. Thankfully, the attacking midfielder has given an optimistic message to supporters on Instagram this week regarding his fitness.
Darren Bent includes Chelsea captain Reece James in best England line-up
During a segment on talkSPORT, Darren Bent was tasked with selecting the England XI he would go with right now for next summer’s World Cup. He did find room for Chelsea duo Palmer and James, giving major praise to the latter.
| Player | Club |
| Jordan Pickford | Everton |
| Reece James | Chelsea |
| John Stones | Manchester City |
| Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | Arsenal |
| Declan Rice | Arsenal |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
| Harry Kane | Bayern Munich |
| Jack Grealish | Everton |
When discussing James’ inclusion in his England XI, Bent said: “I’ve gone for Reece James at right-back. I really like him in terms of the all-round package. I know Trent [Alexander-Arnold’s] range of passing is better, but I think as an all-round full-back… Technically Reece James is as good as they are. His problem is fitness… Reece James’ range of passing is beautiful. And you saw his free kick for England, bang.”
Tuchel has managed just four England matches so far, winning three times and losing once. Most importantly, it’s a 100 per cent win record in their qualifiers to date.
Back in March, Tuchel recalled James to the England fold to give him his first international call-up since 2023, and he’s selected him in every camp so far.
He knows just how good the powerhouse defender can be after working closely with him at Chelsea a few years ago, winning the Champions League in the process. If James is anywhere near his best, we certainly believe he walks into England’s strongest XI.
Reece James has so much more to give to international football
For a player with James’ individual talent, his impact on the senior international stage has been relatively brief so far. However, we’re confident that he can play a significant role while Tuchel is at the helm.
The Chelsea full-back only has 17 England caps, which started with his debut against Wales in 2020.
James scored a stunning free-kick goal back in March when England beat Latvia, and he’s got the ability to provide a huge threat going forward. He’s also extremely tough and intelligent when defending, too.
Now that Kyle Walker is out of the picture with England, James should be setting his sights on nailing down a permanent starting position, where he gives a superb balance at right-back.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/X5kpQns
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