England secured a 3-0 victory over Latvia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash played at Wembley Stadium on Monday night.
Chelsea right-back Reece James made his first England start since 2022 with a stunning free-kick in the 38th minute of their Group K clash. However, he did not celebrate his goal.
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The 25-year-old last played for England against Italy in March 2023 before coming off the bench against Albania on Friday.
Under his former manager at Stamford Bridge Thomas Tuchel, James started for the Three Lions and scored in Monday's win over Latvia.
Speaking to ITV Sport, James expressed his joy at returning to the England squad after a frustrating two years, describing his call-up as a significant moment.
"It has been a long time. I have had a frustrating two years. I'm so happy to be called up by my country again."
Reflecting on his free-kick goal, he admitted he saw the wall and believed he could curl the ball around it but was slightly surprised when it found the net.
"I saw the wall and felt confident I could bend it around. Luckily, it hit the net. At first, I was surprised it went in—I thought the keeper had a chance, but after watching the replay, it seemed tough for him," as per ITV via the Mirror.
He also emphasised that Tuchel's ideas are clear and stated that the team's main objective begins now and continues through to the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel's ideas are clear. We have one objective and that starts this week right up until the World Cup."
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Tuchel expressed his admiration for James, stating that he knows him well and considers his quality to be amazing.
After James opened the scoring in the first half, England dominated Latvia.
Goals from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze sealed a comfortable victory for Tuchel in his second game in charge.
After the international break, James will jet back to Stamford Bridge to prepare for a Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
England will face Andorra in their next World Cup qualifier in June, followed by a friendly against Senegal at the City Ground.
had earlier reported on why England manager Thomas Tuchel said he wouldn’t be wearing a suit while managing the Three Lions.
In December at the World Cup qualifying draw, Tuchel stated that he prefers casual wear during matches for better mobility on the touchline.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
