"Devastated" Reece James Reacts To Gareth Southgate Telling Him He's Not Going To Qatar

Chelsea right-back Reece James will not play for England at the World Cup in Qatar. England boss called him to break the bad news this week.

Reece James will not play for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Chelsea star, 22, is believed to be Gareth Southgate's first choice at right-back when all players are fit.

But James has not played for Chelsea since October 11 when he sustained a knee injury during a Champions League game in Milan.

James has been working hard to get fit and was hopeful that Southgate would take a chance on him.

But the England manager called James this week to let him know that he would not be selected in his 26-man squad.

That squad will be officially named on Thursday.

After learning that he will miss Qatar 2022, James published an emotional statement on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/VHkxLenJhH

— Reece James (@ReeceJames) November 9, 2022

It read: "Devastated. The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible.

"I've worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team. I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take.

"Good luck to the boys. I'll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love."

Fellow right-backs Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker are likely to be included in Southgate's squad, while James being left out could be good news for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

England will begin their World Cup campaign on November 21 when they face Iran at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Reece James pictured playing for England in September 2022 :: IMAGO/kolbert-press/Marc Niemeyer