Follow usEngland defender Reece James confirmed on Wednesday he will not be a part of the England team at the World Cup in Qatar due to a knee injury.
— Reece James (@ReeceJames) November 9, 2022
Chelsea’s right back James sustained the injury on Oct. 11 against AC Milan in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old James, who has 15 caps, said he was “devastated” to miss the cut from Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament, which is due to be announced on Thursday.
“The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turn around to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible,” James said.
“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and I truly believed I could help the team.
“I appreciate there was risk on both sides, but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”
Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, who has fulfilled both the right-sided centre back role and wing-back position for England, has not played since October since undergoing groin surgery while midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also in a race to be fit.
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