Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree on Chelsea captain Reece James after his England performance

Chelsea’s Reece James marked his first England start since 2022 with an outstanding goal against Latvia on Monday night.

Reece James has been back in the England camp during March’s international break after a tough couple of years with numerous injuries, but he just reminded everyone that he’s certainly not lost his ability.

The 25-year-old Chelsea captain scored a stunning free-kick goal in England’s 3-0 victory at home to Latvia in a World Cup qualifier.

Even though he’s been playing in midfield recently for the Blues, he started in his more common right-back spot for his country. The national media praised James as he delivered a player of the match performance for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

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Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree that Reece James was superb for England

During a conversation on The Rest Is Football, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both praised Chelsea’s James for his performance on the international stage.

Shearer said: “One or two again positive performances. Reece James, I thought, looked really comfortable. He scored a fantastic goal.”

Afterwards, Lineker added: “I did think both [Myles] Lewis-Skelly and Reece James performed really well… I did think both of them looked to pass forward and break the lines that way. They hit some really nice firm passes into the likes of [Jude] Bellingham, [Harry] Kane and [Morgan] Rogers.”

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England boss Tuchel hailed James after his England display by claiming that he looks in “excellent shape” right now.

The defender’s injury problems are well documented in recent years. However, if he can keep himself fit, we’re confident he can be a major figure for the national side moving forward.

In terms of his position on the pitch, Martin Keown likes James in midfield, suggesting it can limit his injury problems because it’s less sprints than a full-back. However, it’s such an attacking weapon when he’s operating from the right flank.

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Eberechi Eze reacts to Reece James free-kick

England and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who also scored in the Latvia win, praised James for his spectacular free-kick goal at Wembley Stadium.

Eze told ITV Football: “You know the qualities that he’s got. He’s capable of hitting dead balls like that. It’s expected with his quality.”

Chelsea fans will hope that James returns buoyed from the international break to help them with an important final few months of the season.

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