Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel surprised by Reece James England call-up

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 March 2022

Chelsea boss Tuchel surprised by James England call-up

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admits that he was surprised to hear that injured Chelsea defender Reece James had been called-up by England for their upcoming matches.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has questioned Gareth Southgate's decision to select Reece James in his latest England squad.

As a result of hamstring injuries to both legs at different times, the right wing-back has been restricted to just three appearances in 2022.

There is also still considerable doubt over James's participation in Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.

While Tuchel has not completely ruled the 22-year-old out of contention for the game at the Riverside Stadium, the German feels that James should be given a period of rest during the international break.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "I would always call up Reece to the squad if I was head coach of English team. That is why I am not surprised.

"In this moment, yesterday, he was not match ready. Let's see what happens tomorrow but he comes from, I think all together, nine weeks of injury and we have to do late tests and see if he is able to do the full team training and the full test to see if he is match ready for tomorrow, which is in big doubt.

"I think if this is the case, it makes no sense that he will go."

James last featured for Chelsea on March 5, the academy graduate having already missed the last three games.