England manager Thomas Tuchel sees Reece James as a full-back, not a midfielder, but admits the player needs to prove himself to be strong enough to play in that position at full-time.

James was a key member of Tuchel’s Champions League-winning Chelsea side and was recently called up to the German’s England squad for the first time after not being included in the squad since March 2023.

Although James has been thrust into midfield under Enzo Maresca this season, Tuchel still believes the 25-year-old is best suited to play as a full-back or wing-back.

“I know Reece well before we called him up, we made sure he was training and available to play regularly, not because of an injury, but because the club decided they wanted to protect him a little bit. That was an important factor in my call-up,” he said.

“I still see him as more of a full-back or a wing-back. Because in midfield we have players who are experts in that position already…

Asked if James can still play fully offensively and defensively on the wing, Tuchel replied: “We have to see if he can. He has to prove himself. “

“I know he might not have had such a high-intensity job recently because he plays in a back three and has also been pushed into midfield before. In the game against Copenhagen, he was a midfielder, ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี. and in that position he doesn’t have to make as many runs as a full-back. ” “

But from the information we have, it is possible, so now it’s up to him.”

Tuchel also revealed that he had spoken to former England manager Gareth Southgate, but did not ask for his opinion on selection because he wanted every player to prove themselves anew.

“Gareth and I always have friendly and trusting conversations, but not about his views on the Euros or national team selection,” Tuchel added.

“It’s not that I don’t trust his views – quite the opposite. But I just want to make my own decisions without being influenced too much. I’ve never done that in my career because I want to give everyone a chance to start over. “

I want everyone to have the chance to show me for the first time. Without being determined by other people’s perspectives”