VERY SAD Raheem Sterling and Reece James news has been announced this Afternoon before the November International Break

Gareth Southgate has issued a cautionary note to Reece James regarding the potential risks associated with his decision to skip the latest England squad, emphasizing the limited opportunities left before Euro 2024. The Chelsea captain, who has contended with injury setbacks, recently recovered from a knee problem but opted out of the England squad’s fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia to focus on regaining full fitness.

While Southgate acknowledged James’s commitment to prioritizing his physical condition, he didn’t shy away from highlighting the inherent risks of the decision. The right-back position in the England squad is highly competitive, with Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kieran Trippier vying for spots alongside James. With only friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March preceding Euro 2024, James faces a challenge to secure his place.

Southgate, understanding James’s cautious approach due to his injury history, expressed confidence in James’s abilities. Despite the potential competition and risk, Southgate revealed extensive discussions with James about the decision, with the player emphasizing his commitment to the national team.

Acknowledging the complexities of James’s injury record, Southgate emphasized the necessity of managing his physical well-being. He highlighted the importance of physical reliability, recognizing the current training reality involves James playing followed by a few days of recovery.

Despite expressing the desire to include James in the squad, Southgate conveyed calmness about the situation, understanding the player’s perspective and remaining confident in the decisions made.