Reece James has praised Liverpool and Manchester City duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker as ‘very good players’, as he told his pre-match press conference.
The in-form Chelsea defender is competing with the duo for a starting spot for England this week.
Gareth Southgate has his work cut out because both James and Alexander-Arnold are performing as good as ever.
Whilst Walker is playing for a Man City side that have produced some big performances already this season – away at Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United.
Either way, there is only one spot for a right-back, unless Southgate, like he did before, opts to select Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the park.
Nonetheless, James was asked to share his thoughts on TAA and Walker, and the competition between them.
“I think each one of us have a different style of play,” said James. “Trent’s obviously been at the top for quite a few years now and Kyle Walker as well.
“The competition is very tough and there are other fullbacks that aren’t here as well, that are also at a very good level.
“I am competing with very good players, so it’s quite tough and we just have to keep pushing each other.”
One thing is for sure, during these coming years, England won’t struggle to fill that right-back spot with a high-quality footballer.
Both James and Alexander-Arnold have years and years ahead of them in their careers.
They will be expected to be competing for that spot for the long-term and it will have to take a special player to dethrone them from that spot.
Or either one of the players falling from the very high standards, and whilst it would be unfortunate if that happens, this is a ruthless game.
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