Southgate omits Reece James from England Euro 2024 preliminary squad | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Reece James has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2024 European Championship, according to The Athletic.

Injuries have ravaged James’ season, and Southgate will select other right-backs to represent the Three Lions in Germany.

James hasn’t started a Premier League match since November, with his campaign derailed by a recurring hamstring issue.

He was out for two months at the beginning of the season and then had surgery, which sidelined him for another five months.

James made two substitute appearances towards the end of the season but was dismissed against Brighton & Hove Albion and missed the Bournemouth game.

The full-back also missed the 2022 World Cup, with injury denying him a place in the squad.

Ben Chilwell is also absent from the preliminary group. He has been battling recurring injury problems and cannot take one of the left-back slots.

The 27-year-old has only started nine league games and has looked poor, with constant injury setbacks restricting his athleticism.

Raheem Sterling has also not received a call-up despite rounding off the season with a well-taken goal against the Cherries.

The final 26-man squad will be announced on June 8, and Southgate has left the door open for players to prove their fitness and form.

However, they face an uphill battle to regain Southgate’s trust and overcome their injury woes in time for the tournament.

Missing Euro 2024 must be disappointing for James and Chilwell, but it could be a blessing in disguise for their long-term careers.

Both players have been hampered by injuries this season, and a summer free from international commitments allows them to prioritise an uninterrupted recovery.