‘Reece James and Ben Chilwell for England as Thomas Tuchel eyes Chelsea repeat’
Thomas Tuchel has been tipped to bring two players he knows well from his Chelsea days back into the England fold by Darren Bent.
The former Aston Villa and Tottenham striker has suggested that the German could look to Ben Chilwell and Reece James to fill the full-back roles for the Three Lions if they are fit and playing.
On the right, James has been making an impact for Chelsea following his recent return from another injury.
By contrast, Chilwell faced questions over his future at Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, before being loaned out to Crystal Palace.
The left-back has impressed since departing Chelsea with many Crystal Palace fans demanding Chilwell be signed permanently, and Bent has suggested Tuchel may look to take advantage of that.
Thomas Tuchel set to make England squad call
On Friday (14 March), Tuchel will name his first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia later this month.
Chilwell‘s has not featured for the Three Lions since this time last year, while James’ last England appearance came in 2023.
| Reece James for Chelsea in 2024/25 | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Success Rate | 90% |
| Tackles per Game | 0.7 |
| Clearances per Game | 1.1 |
Tuchel though is familiar with the pair from his time managing them at Chelsea, which came to an end when he was sacked in September 2022.
Prior to that though, the duo had been key in helping the club to lift the Champions League title while he was in charge.
Indeed, Bent feels that the loss of James and Chilwell at full-back for fitness reasons played a part in costing the German his role, and so he could look to draw on their skills again with England.
Speaking on talkSPORT about the possibility of the Chelsea and Crystal Palace stars being named in Tuchel’s squad, the former England international said: “Well do you remember when it all started to fall apart for Thomas Tuchel?
“When Reece James and Ben Chilwell got injured at the same time. Them two like, kind of together, were fantastic. He [Chilwell] might not be in the first [squad] because of fitness he’s just got back to Palace, but if he plays from now until the end of the season consistently and gets over the injuries, he’ll be back.”
Of James he added: “Again, Thomas Tuchel knows him well. He’s started to show a bit of… form and managing to play… If he stays fit he’ll be back in, because in terms of talent he’s one of the best out there.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace full-backs worth considering for England call-ups
Football Insider Verdict
Both James and Chilwell surely have to be worth considering as potential options for England either this month or beyond.
While the right-back berth has had plenty of options recently, when he is on top form and fit, James has the quality to be one of the very best candidates for that role.
Given he is working his way back to fitness he is a decent candidate for a recall, though it would be interesting to see how he is used after featuring further forward for Chelsea recently.
The same can also be said for Chilwell, who looks to have been rejuvenated since his move to Crystal Palace.
Given competition has not been as strong at left-back, especially with Newcastle ace Lewis Hall out injured, that could put him in a strong position for a place in the squad as well.
Indeed, the fact they are already well known to Tuchel as well from their time together at Chelsea will also surely make them appealing call ups for the England manager as he weighs up his squad.