Chelsea star pulls out of England squad

Chelsea star Reece James has pulled out of the English national squad led by coach Gareth Southgate in the wake of their game against Ivory Coast and Switzerland.

Recall that the Blues defender was named in Gareth Southgate’s initial squad but having been sidelined for the Blues’ game against Lille and Middlesbrough, the decision has been taken to withdraw him from the group.

As of now, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Crystal Palace, are the Chelsea representatives in the Three Lions’ squad now that James has been removed.

The Blues former Academy graduates Marc Guehi and Tammy Abraham were also selected, although the latter has since pulled out.

England take on Switzerland on Saturday, March 26, at Wembley before hosting Ivory Coast at the same venue three days later.

James recently returned to the Blues squad, having been out of the team owing to injury.

His latest decision to pull out of the English squad is a welcome development for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who is hoping his players on international duty don’t return with injury.