— (Reuters) Even though he is still healing from a knee injury, England right back Reece James still expects to participate at the World Cup in Qatar next month.
The 22-year-old defender suffered the injury while playing for Premier League team Chelsea in their Champions League match against AC Milan this month, and after being sidelined for eight weeks, it appeared inevitable that he would miss the World Cup, which starts on November 20.
James, who has 15 caps and has cemented his position as England’s first choice, promised to do everything in his power to be prepared before coach Gareth Southgate announces his team for the competition.
James told The Sun, “I need to keep working hard over the next two weeks and see where I am on call-up day. “I’ll try not to discount myself. It’s early on and moving slowly. Even though I’ve been in recovery for two weeks, I’m still taking each day as it comes.
“The Chelsea medical department hasn’t told me what percentage of the World Cup I’ll be back for. It depends on how stable it is and how I feel closer to the time. It will be quite difficult. Although the injury came at a bad time and could take a long time to heal, I’m doing everything I can to make it work. If it doesn’t, at least I know I gave it my best go.
On Nov. 21, England plays Iran to start their World Cup group stage campaign.
James is optimistic about joining England’s World Cup roster.
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