Reece James returned to the England fold for the first time since 2023 under his former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel picked three Chelsea players in his squad including Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, even if that latter ultimately had to withdraw.
But it was arguably James’ return which was most captivating from a Chelsea point of view, a full-back whose progress has been ravaged by injuries in recent seasons.
However, after returning for Enzo Maresca in a central midfield role, James was welcomed back to the England fold under Tuchel, albeit in a more familiar position.
The 25-year-old thrived as a right-back in England’s 4-3-3, a position that is surely still regarded as his best.
Ian Wright assesses Reece James’ return for England under Thomas Tuchel
That being said, Ian Wright delivered a glowing review of James’ efforts for England on the ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast.
And after jovially comparing the Chelsea man to movie character John Wick, Wright then fantasised about the prospect of a fully-fit James continuing to play for England.
Wright said: “Can we talk about the hitman, Reece James, please? Firstly, that challenge – he’s got a look on his face where he could easily, if Keanu Reeves doesn’t want to do John Wick, he could do that.
“Reece James could be John Wick. Did you see when that guy, he challenged that guy, then he hit it and then the guy just splattered on the floor, and his energy, his face doesn’t change.
READ MORE: Chelsea have begun talks to sign £50m attacker amid Jadon Sancho doubts
“And then he scores that goal, right? Because like I said last night, that is a world-class free kick.
“I don’t care who’s in goal. You’re not saving it. World-class free kick.
“Nothing, nothing in the face, it was just amazing. You know what was really good about seeing him?
“Some of his crossfield passing, his strength with the defending, obviously his free kick capability.
“You can’t help but feel, hopefully, you know, the unfortunate nature he’s had with injuries.
“Oh my gosh, you know, if he could stay fit, what a player to have on that right side. What a player to have.
“Gosh, if he could get that right, if he can get himself fit in that.I thought it was a brilliant performance from him, but obviously you expect that from him against Latvia.”
Enzo Maresca is getting it wrong with Reece James
Only a few months ago, James was being linked with Real Madrid amid his injury struggles at Chelsea.
But once the Englishman is back on the pitch and fit it’s so clear what he can still offer at Stamford Bridge – he’s still one of the best right-backs in world football.
It’s long been reported that James doesn’t want to leave Chelsea, and the club captain is surely now doing everything right to forge a long-term future with the club.
However, it currently seems as if Maresca is somewhat uncertain of how to get the best out of James, who isn’t a natural in midfield.
And following his success under Tuchel with England, it’ll be interesting to see whether the Italian returns James to a more familiar role against Tottenham Hotspur when Premier League football returns.
