Jordan Henderson has told Reece James to ‘recover well’ after he shared the devastating news on Instagram that he is set to miss the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury.
England boss Gareth Southgate will name his final 26-man squad for Qatar on Thursday afternoon and James’ name will be omitted.
A knee injury, which was suffered on Champions League duty, has put an end to that for the Chelsea right-back, who was a possible starter for his country for their opening game against Iran.
If James is honest with himself, he probably saw this coming ever since he found out the extent of his injury, but that didn’t stop him from trying to push right until the end.
Nonetheless, he received a number of encouraging messages after he got the news, including from Premier League and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, who told him that ‘you will be rewarded’ down the line.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said Drogba. “Keep the same spirit and you will be rewarded. Much love.”
“Recover well, mate,” wrote Henderson.
WHO STARTS AT RIGHT-BACK?
If Kyle Walker has recovered, then the Manchester City star should be named in the final England squad, alongside Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It will then probably be between Trippier and Walker as to who starts at right-back against Iran.
Given that Trippier has performed well for England over the years, and been a regular pick by Southgate, then it wouldn’t be a surprise he is the one starting the opening game.
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