Gareth Southgate has given a stern warning to an England star who turned down an international call-up.
On Thursday afternoon, Southgate named his squad for the upcoming international break.
The Three Lions are taking on Malta and North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifying round with their qualification already secured.
After the squad was confirmed, Southgate spoke about wanting to pick Chelsea star Reece James, but the full-back declined.
Advert
He said: “I was hoping to call up Reece James but he doesn’t feel he’s quite ready.
“I understand that, he’s had a long path back from a number of injuries. He’s probably a bit cautious in that respect, but I can understand why.”
Southgate then fired a stern warning that James could miss out on the Euro 2024 squad.
He said: “There is (a lot of talent ahead of James) and that’s the risk. He’s only got one more squad before the Euros. So he knows that. We’ve got belief in what he can do.
Advert
“We did discuss (reporting for duty to attend team meetings) and he was very keen to make clear, ‘Look I don’t want you to think I don’t want to be there’.
“We had a really good long conversation and exchange of messages after that as well. But I’m very understanding. His injury record, you can see the number of matches and the different phases (he has missed). So we are all conscious that we want to have a fit Reece that can play consecutive games.”
Southgate continued: “Physical reliability is going to be really important. I think we will always manage a player as well as we can but there is a reality around his training at the moment. He plays and there’s a couple of days’ recovery.
Advert
“There’s a little bit more angst from his side. I totally get that. We would have loved to have him with us, don’t get me wrong. But I’m perfectly calm with the conversation.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: England, Reece James, Chelsea, Football, Gareth Southgate