In a crushing blow to England's European Championship aspirations, Chelsea captain Reece James has confirmed his withdrawal from Euro 2024 following unsuccessful attempts to recover from hamstring surgery.
The 24-year-old defender, considered one of Gareth Southgate's key assets for the tournament in Germany, revealed the devastating news after Chelsea's final Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Fitness Battle Ends in Disappointment
James had been racing against time to prove his fitness after undergoing surgery in December, but ultimately conceded defeat in his recovery journey. "The race against time has been lost," the Chelsea star admitted, confirming what many England fans had feared.
His absence creates a significant void in Southgate's defensive options, particularly given James's versatility and attacking threat from the right-back position.
Southgate's Selection Headache Intensifies
The England manager now faces increased pressure to find adequate cover, with Manchester City's Kyle Walker likely to assume the starting right-back role. However, James's unique skill set and recent form made him a strong contender for significant minutes throughout the tournament.
This development compounds Southgate's defensive concerns, coming shortly after another Chelsea defender, Ben Chilwell, was also ruled out of contention for the European Championship.
From Hope to Heartbreak
James's season has been marred by persistent hamstring issues, limiting him to just ten appearances across all competitions. His most recent setback occurred in August, casting early doubts about his availability for international duty this summer.
The defender's confirmation ends weeks of speculation and dashed hopes that he might make a miraculous recovery in time to feature for the Three Lions in Germany.
As England prepares to announce their final squad, James joins the growing list of high-profile absentees, leaving Southgate with crucial decisions to make ahead of the tournament kick-off next month.
