REECE TO REBOUND FROM RED

FRANK LAMPARD has warned Reece James to steer clear of rows with referees but insisted the rookie Chelsea star will learn and bounce back.

James made his full England debut on Wednesday in the 1-0 Nations League defeat by Denmark and produced a man-of-the-match performance.

But his impressive showing was marred when he was shown a red card for dissent by Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano following the final whistle (above).

Full-back James, 20, is set to face Southampton today and Blues boss Lampard said: “I had a word with Reece about what happened at the end and the fact he got involved with the referee. I have done it as a player, as a manager. None of us are saints.

“It will be one for him to learn from. When you have a performance at that level you will get plaudits. So there was no need for him to get involved with the referee. Reece’s performance on Wednesday was very good. I expected that because I expect a lot from him, though you should never expect it on a debut.”

Lampard insisted that James, who broke into the Chelsea team only last season, will learn from his rashness.

He said: “I have always been a big fan of Reece. There are things he will want to improve on. The great thing about Reece, and a lot of the other younger players, is that they want to improve. He is going to be a fantastic player for this club for a long time.”

Lampard also revealed that he had had words with Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell, spotted with England team-mate Jadon Sancho at a birthday party two weeks ago that broke lockdown rules.

Lampard added “At 42 I am very happy to go home and spend time with my family. But when you’re 20, 22, 23 your life is different.

“That’s why my words were not too harsh. Hopefully the words I said will mean it won’t happen again.”