Right-back has missed the last three games after injury against Ghana
Reece James is available again for England squad ahead of the World Cup semi-final match against Argentina, after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the last three games.
The Chelsea captain made his comeback from the bench during England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. James was first used in central midfield before moving back to right-back as Jude Bellingham scored twice to send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last four.
“It’s good to be back out there with the boys,” James said. “Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and happy to be back out there.”
James suffered the injury during England’s second group-stage match against Ghana. His return is a boost for Tuchel as the Three Lions prepare to face Lionel Messi and Argentina for a place in the World Cup final. James said the squad’s experience should help them deal with the demands of the tie.
“It comes with experience,” said James. “The higher stakes the game is, the more pressure. We’ve been doing it for years, the fundamentals are the same, but the prize is slightly different.
“We’re in a bubble, trying to complete our mission. It’s hard to see the outside. We’re happy we’re making everyone at home proud. This is what dreams are made of. Everyone as a little boy dreamt of playing and winning a World Cup. We’re against one of the best nations in the semi-final.”
