WHEELS Reece: Cliques won’t destroy our fab team spirit
REECE JAMES says the Premier League title race is so fierce it’s getting harder to put club rivalry aside when players meet up on England duty.
But the Chelsea defender insists the Three Lions are taking precautions to make sure it doesn’t ruin their chances of glory in Qatar. Past England teams have been hit hard by cliques as rival players from the nation’s top clubs refused to socialise. And with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in a fierce three-way fight at the top, the camaraderie of Gareth Southgate’s squad is under strain.
James said: “It’s not easy. We play most of football for our clubs. When you come away with England you have to put club rivalry aside. When we’re here we’re one team. “You can’t take your club football into the camp. You have to focus on the task here. “Do we make a conscious effort to mix at dinner and stuff? Yeah of course. Everyone mixes up and makes each other feel welcome.” James faces a fight for the England right-back spot too as he is up against Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-arnold. He said: “Each one of us has a different style. Trent’s been at the top for quite a few years now, and obviously Kyle Walker as well. The competition is tough. You just have to keep pushing each other.”
James, who won the Champions League with Chelsea last season, does not want to just be the best right-back in England. He wants to be the best in the world.
He said: “I think that’s what everyone plays for, to be the best in the world at their position. I want to be the best.”
Southgate recently warned his full-backs they need to be “defenders first”, perhaps sending a message to the more attack-minded Alexander-arnold.
James
(pictured with Ben Chilwell)
said: “I think that’s right. At the end of the day you’re a defender, not a striker. But if you can add attacking play to your game I definitely think it helps.”
James has made a blistering start to the season in that department, with four goals and four assists in a Chelsea team that’s only let in four goals in 11 Premier League games.
He said: “This is probably the best I’ve played and the team is playing well. We’re creating a lot of chances and it’s obviously helping.
“When you’re playing well and the team’s performing, keeping clean sheets and winning games in style, it obviously helps everyone build more confidence.”