Reece James hasn’t played for England since March 2023 Reece James should be in England’s squad for Euro 2024 as Trent Alexander-Arnold can’t be trusted at right-back. That is the opinion of Paul Merson who was ‘really shocked’ to see the Chelsea captain omitted from Gareth Southgate’s 33-man preliminary squad. The three right-backs selected – Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Alexander-Arnold – are expected to still be included when the squad is trimmed to 26 ahead of the tournament.
And then if he goes to right-back, you can put Walker into centre-half and then we might have to chase a game against someone, you’ve got Walker’s pace at the back.’ Many saw James’ snub coming, given that he has missed nearly the entire campaign with hamstring injuries, restricting him to just 10 appearances, six of them starts.