Sky Sports pundits clash over Chelsea star Reece James: ‘I’m not having it’
Chelsea right-back Reece James has sparked a heated debate among Michael Dawson and Paul Merson on Sky Sports.
Not for the first time, the 25-year-old has endured a season blighted by injuries that have limited James’ involvement for Chelsea.
However, he has made an impact since returning to action, including scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side in the Europa Conference League against Copenhagen.
Despite that, the latest news on the right-back has now evoked some strong debate among certain individuals.
Reece James back in the England squad
On Friday (14 March) new England manager Thomas Tuchel named his first Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
James was among those who was included in that squad, in spite of his limited minutes for Chelsea over the course of the campaign.
The decision to pick the 25-year-old then prompted plenty of discussion on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, with Merson believing that his inclusion is the right call.
Dawson however, believes James is only in the side because he only played under Tuchel at Chelsea, and that there are more suitable options for the England squad at this moment in time.
| Reece James for Chelsea in 2024/25 | Total (as per Trasfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 13 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 747 |
After being asked why James has been included in that Three Lions squad, Dawson said (12:17pm): “Because he was with him at Chelsea, has to be. Has to be! Has to be Merse, he’s played 10 games!”
In response, Merson exclaimed: “It’s because he’s the best! He’s the best.”
Dawson then countered by noting: “”Yeah, when he’s fit. Look at the minutes he’s played.”
Merson then noted: “Yeah but any time they’re fit you pick your best. He’s the best.”
With the World Cup on the horizon next summer though, giving Tuchel a clear priority with England, Dawson replied: “But is he gonna be there in 18 months? He’s played 10 games this season, 10 games last season.
“His appearances have not been enough to get in that England squad in my opinion. I’m not having it.”
After Merson then questioned that claim from Dawson about “not having” James, the former Tottenham defender said: “No, I’m not having it at the moment that he’s in that squad.”
With Merson then asking who his alternatives would be, Dawson explained: “Well Trent’s gonna be in it when he’s fit, Kyle Walker’s come back, Djed Spence has to be.”
That then led to Merson exclaiming: “Kyle Walker!? Kyle Walker? Who’d you take, Kyle Walker or Reece James?”
In response, Dawson admitted: “You’d take Reece James if he’s fit but he’s not been fit, he’s not played enough football, in my opinion to be in this squad.”
As Merson then noted that Tuchel won’t worry about fitness, Dawson stated: “Well clearly he doesn’t!”.
That then led to Merson concluding: “All Thomas Tuchel will worry about, when push comes to shove, when he gets to the World Cup, people like Reece James, if he gets him on the pitch and he’s fit he plays. He’s the best in his position.”
Chelsea connection helps ensure that Reece James England return makes sense
Football Insider Verdict
Even before the squad had been named, it was suggested that Tuchel would include James because of the success at Chelsea the pair enjoyed together.
Of course, the fact his game time has been limited by injury this season means there is a risk to including the 25-year-old in this squad.
Even so, the fact Tuchel is going to feel he knows how to get the best out of him means it was always going to be hard for the England manager not to include him the side.
As Merson says, when he is fit and firing, the Chelsea man is indeed among the very best options England have at right-back.
Therefore it makes sense to get him integrated in the international set-up again, especially given that at 25-years-old he will undoubtedly be in a position to go to the World Cup if he is indeed fit at that point.