Joe Cole wants ‘world-class’ Chelsea star back in England squad

Joe Cole wants ‘world-class’ Chelsea star Reece James back playing for England following his latest revival at Stamford Bridge.

James misse the first three เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย months of the season through injury and then suffere another setback in November which rule him out for another two months.

Enzo Maresca has understandably cautious with James’ workload since his return from the treatment room but gave him 90 minutes on Thursday night in the Europa Conference League.

James captaine Chelsea in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Copenhagen and it was the England international who broke the deadlock out in Denmark with a crisp strike from outside the box.

Enzo Fernandez double Chelsea’s lead on the hour mark before Gabriel Pereira’s goal gave Copenhagen hope of a comeback ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea hero Cole was impresse by James’ performance against the Danish side and said the ‘world-class’ 25-year-old had ‘so much to offer’ both his club and country.

James has earne 16 caps since making his England debut in 2020 but none since 2023, mainly due to his reoccurring injury issues, though there is also substantial competition in the right-back position.

New England boss Thomas Tuchel will name his first squad next week and Cole hopes there is a place for James, who playe in midfield against Copenhagen.

‘He will have the respect of every player at Chelsea because of what he can do technically and physically,’ Cole told after the 2-1 win.

‘When he was at his best, he was as good as anyone in the world, no doubt about that. It’s just about him finding his inner peace and managing him into games.

‘He can play in midfield, he did it when he was on loan at Wigan and got Player of the Year there as a young kid. He looks comfortable there.

‘He’s got so much to offer Chelsea and so much to offer England. It’s so great to see him impacting the game like he did tonight.

‘Don’t give up on Reece James because there is still a real, real world-class player in there who can be a massive player for Chelsea and England. Hopefully he can keep going now.’