Reece James and Emi Martinez have been set a leadership challenge at Chelsea, with Frank Lebouef telling GOAL that the Blues have become “too nice” as a collective. He wants to see senior figures, especially those donning the captain’s armband, ask questions of those around them when individual standards are allowed to slip - with clean sheets proving hard to come by at present.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has explained the reasons behind captain Reece James and forward Joao Pedro missing Friday's Premier League trip to Brentford. James suffered a fresh hamstring setback after last weekend's draw, while Pedro is sidelined following a blistering start to the campaign. The Blues were forced to adapt their squad to cover these significant absences for the clash.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces a significant injury crisis after three key first-team players were absent from training on Tuesday morning, including talisman Joao Pedro. The Blues are currently preparing for a vital west London derby against Brentford as they look to bounce back from a disappointing draw last time out.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes club captain Reece James has what it takes to become one of the world's best central midfielders. Following Enzo Fernandez's massive departure to Manchester City and a mounting injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues boss is ready to heavily rely on his star right-back in the middle of the park.
Gus Poyet has reacted to Chelsea’s £125 million ($169m) sale of Enzo Fernandez during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Blues legend is concerned that a suitable replacement for the World Cup-winning Argentine was not acquired on transfer deadline day, with the Uruguayan asking - amid new roles for Reece James and Malo Gusto - whether “all right-backs” are now going to play “as centre midfielders”.
Reece James has admitted that he still has "rust" to shake off despite making a successful return to action in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly. The Blues captain featured in the 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, but he warned that the squad is still finding its rhythm under new management.
And so we get to the real bit. England have had, in truth, quite a favourable run in the World Cup thus far. Mexico at the Azteca was a real test, but they are yet to face a team that is, objectively, better than them. Enter Argentina, the reigning champions and led by a certain Lionel Messi.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has provided a mixed injury update on his squad as they prepare for a daunting World Cup Round of 16 tie against co-hosts Mexico. While one defensive reinforcement has returned to full training, a key starter remains a major doubt for the clash at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Just three games into the 2026 World Cup, England find themselves shorn of all three of their named options at right-back, making what was once an abundant area of the pitch for the Three Lions a real problem position at the worst possible time. Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah are all out injured, and Thomas Tuchel is now under significant scrutiny for some bizarre selection calls.
It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a full-blown selection crisis at right-back after Jarrell Quansah became the latest casualty of a damaging 2026 World Cup campaign. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off during the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Panama, leaving the coaching staff sweating over his availability for the knockout rounds.
England will be without Reece James for Saturday's World Cup group-stage clash with Panama after the Chelsea defender suffered a hamstring injury. James started matches against Croatia and Ghana but did not travel with the squad for the final group fixture. He is expected to miss England's next two matches in a significant blow for Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel definitely didn't want to be in this situation. After England's tournament-opener, in which the Three Lions rather comfortably saw off Croatia, it was presumed that the German coach would be thinking about rotation by now. His hardest opponent was out of the way, meaning another win, over Ghana, would secure top spot with a game to spare. Instead, he has to stick with the big guns after an incredibly frustrating draw with the Black Stars.
England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing a nervous wait over the fitness of two of his most important players ahead of the final World Cup Group L clash against Panama. Reece James and Declan Rice both missed a key training session in Kansas City, leaving the Three Lions with major selection headaches as they look to secure top spot in the group.
England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.
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