Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are likely to compete for a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s starting eleven for the Qatar World Cup in 2022. The Liverpool defender has recently been under fire for his defensive abilities, but the Chelsea man dismissed such comments, insisting that’mistakes are natural.’
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cobham product, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in three years, has only started one of England’s UEFA Nations League games this month, filling in at right-back in a goalless draw with Italy. His lone other appearance came as a substitute against Hungary, where he surrendered a penalty immediately after entering the game.
James, who has had an injury-plagued 39-game season under Thomas Tuchel, has subsequently been chastised for allowing the visitors to score a decisive goal in the 1-0 defeat. As has been the case with Alexander-Arnold this season, the Chelsea defender has spoken out and cleared the air.
After the match against Roberto Mancini’s side at Molineux on Saturday night, James initially stated his desire to play in the first team for the 2018 World Cup. He stated, ” “I’ll do all in my power to be first in line. Only my performances will be able to demonstrate my abilities. I’m hoping to demonstrate that I’m ready to play every game in these games and moving forward into next season.”
James then reacted to Alexander-critiques Arnold’s with wonderful camaraderie: “I’m not immune to making errors. We’re both still learning our craft after I handed up a penalty against Hungary. Liverpool has 95% possession of the ball, and he has to defend less than I do. People have a lot to say yet don’t actually understand the game. Trent is a fantastic athlete.”
Despite the praise for the Liverpool defender, Real Madrid are allegedly interested in signing James this summer. Since the two European powers met in the Champions League quarter-final two months ago, the 22-year-old has been widely linked with a move to the Spanish giants.
Carlo Ancelotti, according to the Mirror, has put the defender at the top of his summer buying list. James has apparently pleased the Los Blancos, who have seen him nine times this season.
Real Madrid’s interest in the right-back position stems from a growing sense of insecurity in their defense, with forward Lucas Vazquez frequently filling in for the ailing Dani Carvajal. The story closes by stating that Ancelotti’s scouts and technical team saw him as the club’s next puzzle piece.
So, in order to deter possible bidders, Chelsea’s new owners are thought to have made it a priority to decide his future with a new contract. Despite mounting concerns that the defender would feel undervalued, no approach has yet been made to extend James’ contract, according to the MailOnline.
