Chelsea and England defender, Reece James has revealed that he is devastated by the news that he would not be fit enough to make it into the England World Cup squad.
The statement which was posted on his official social media handle comes after Gareth Southgate opted to omit the defender from his 26-man squad.
Reece James reacting to the news from Gareth Southgate took to his official social media handle to express his disappointment saying:
“Devasted.
The minute i injured my knee, i knew the turnaround to make the world cup would be tight, but i always felt it was possible. I have worked harder than I ever thought i could to give myself the best chance of going and 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 will be back soon. Stay safe and sending love,” he said.
The right-back sustained a knee injury in mid-October that left his hopes of featuring in Qatar in huge jeopardy.
James’ prognosis suggests that he could return to fitness for the knockout stages or, at a push, the final group stage clash in the middle-east.
But, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker to pick from, Southgate has opted to leave James out of his squad.
Southgate is expected to confirm his 26-man squad on Thursday morning but he’s already informed some unlucky individuals that they have not made the cut.