Chelsea defender Reece James has slammed people for criticising England teammate and Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The pair are fighting for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England line-up ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the right back/wing-back spot continuing to be hotly contested for which hands a selection dilemma to Southgate.
Alexander-Arnold has been criticised in recent years for his defensive performances, despite being one of the most prolific creators in the Premier League.
James has backed his Premier League rival and international teammate, hitting back at those who believe his fellow right-back is inferior defensively.
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When asked about the criticism of his fellow full-back, James admitted: “I make mistakes as well. I gave away a penalty against Hungary so we are both still learning our trade.
“Liverpool have 95 percent of the ball and he defends less than I have to. People have a lot of stuff to say and don't really know the game. Trent is a great player.”
The pair are competing with each other, Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker and Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier for a place in the England team ahead of their trip to Qatar at the end of the year, with Southgate’s side looking to lift the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
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The Three Lions finished as runners up at Euro 2020, losing to Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley.
James continued to admit that he is doing all that he can to prove that he deserves to start at the World Cup after another impressive campaign with Chelsea despite being troubled with injury.
“I'll try everything I can (to be first choice). Only my performances will be able to prove what I can bring. In these games and building into next season I'll hopefully be able to show that I'm ready to play every game.”
James started in the draw against Italy after coming off the bench against Hungary previously, giving away a penalty as England lost the Nations League opener.
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Chelsea’s best performances last season came with James playing at right wing-back as he scored six goals and registered 10 assists in 39 matches.
In comparison, Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold scored twice and registered 19 assists in 47 matches for the Premier League runners up.
The pair will look to impress Southgate during the early stages of next season as their clubs will be hoping to battle it out to challenge Man City at the top of the Premier League once again and go head-to-head for the domestic cups, where Liverpool beat Chelsea twice at Wembley on penalties to lift the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.
Topics: Chelsea, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, England, Football
Nick Emms