2026 WCQs: Reece James ruled out of England duty after injury

Chelsea right-back Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad following an injury sustained during the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

The setback will also rule him out of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on October 18.

A statement from the English Football Association on Monday confirmed that James “sustained an injury” in the match, despite playing the full 90 minutes, starting at right-back and finishing as a central defender.

O’Reilly earns first senior England call-up

In James’ absence, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been promoted from the Under-21 squad for his maiden senior international call-up.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who has featured as a makeshift left-back under Pep Guardiola this season, was initially named in the U21 squad before being drafted into the senior team.

England are scheduled to face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before traveling to Riga for a World Cup qualifier against Latvia on October 14.

Injury blow for Chelsea ahead of Forest clash

James’ withdrawal compounds Chelsea’s growing injury woes. The club already had eight players unavailable for the Liverpool match, including the suspended Trevoh Chalobah.

James has shared right-back duties with Malo Gusto this season, but his latest setback could see him sidelined for an extended period.

Chelsea’s medical team will monitor his recovery during the international break, hoping he regains fitness before their trip to Nottingham Forest.

Key player for club and country

James has become a vital figure under England coach Thomas Tuchel, netting his first international goal in March’s win over Latvia and reportedly edging ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold as first-choice right-back.