'World-class player' - Chelsea legend names Blues star who Thomas Tuchel MUST have in England line-up as Three Lions boss prepares to announce inaugural squad

Tuchel has decided to begin his stint as head coach of the England national team by providing all eligible players a clean slate in relation to whatever happened during Gareth Southgate's stint. Chelsea and England legend Cole has urged Tuchel to consider bringing in the Blues captain Reece James for his first Three Lions squad.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Cole said: "He’s got so much to offer Chelsea and so much to offer England. It’s so great to see him impacting the game like he did tonight. Don’t give up on Reece James because there is still a real, real world-class player in there who can be a massive player for Chelsea and England. Hopefully, he can keep going now."

Cole's comments about James come after the right-back's spectacular performance against Copenhagen on Thursday in the Europa Conference League. Cole added: "He will have the respect of every player at Chelsea because of what he can do technically and physically. When he was at his best, he was as good as anyone in the world, no doubt about that.

"It’s just about him finding his inner peace and managing him into games. He can play in midfield, he did it when he was on loan at Wigan and got Player of the Year there as a young kid. He looks comfortable there."

Tuchel is set to announce his first England squad over the next few days as the March international break looms around the corner, however, it is possible that James may not make the cut for the call-up as the Chelsea star has not had a lot of action this season due to injuries.