Reece James is holding back due to injuries, according to Glen Johnson. The Chelsea star has struggled to find form at the World Cup.
What happened?
James has sustained several injuries in his career, which has led to concerns over his fitness. He recently claimed that talk over his chances of staying fit is “so boring”.
Why it matters for Reece James
Glen Johnson, speaking to Bet St George, understands why James isn’t playing at 100%. Johnson said: “I think Reece James is holding back and it’s totally understandable. If your body keeps breaking down, it is hard to push it to the limit when you aren't confident.”
What comes next?
James is set to start in the final Group Stage game against Panama this weekend. Fans will be monitoring his progress closely, hoping he can regain his form and help England advance in the tournament.
The good thing is that James is intelligent enough to recognize his limitations, says Johnson. “He can be sensible by choosing his moments to attack rather than joining every single one.” This cautious approach may help James reserve fuel and protect his body.
Johnson still believes James is England's best right-back, even if he can only provide glimpses of what he used to do. “If we can have Reece James at 75%, we’ll certainly take that,” Johnson said.
James has not looked his best at the World Cup so far, failing to impress in an underwhelming England side in the Group Stage. However, with his experience and skill, he can still make a significant impact on the team.
On the past week, James said: “I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise. I just focus on myself and my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team I'm playing in.” This mindset will be crucial as he looks to regain his form and help England succeed in the tournament.
As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on James to see if he can overcome his injuries and perform at his best. With his talent and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament.
Glen Johnson, the former England defender, has been impressed with James' intelligence and ability to recognize his limitations. Johnson's comments highlight the challenges James faces in regaining his form and finding his place in the England team.
The final Group Stage game against Panama will be a crucial test for James and England. A strong performance from James could help England advance in the tournament and boost his confidence ahead of the knockout stages.
As James looks to the future, he will be focused on regaining his form and helping England succeed in the World Cup. With his experience and skill, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament and help England achieve their goals.