Gareth Southgate could hand Reece James a World Cup lifeline later today. England have a provisional opportunity to name a group of 56 players before cutting them down to just 26 before the tournament starts.
The Three Lions are expected to make their announcement later today (Friday, October 21) and the sheer volume of players allowed could give James a boost following his damaging knee injury sustained last week. The 22-year-old was taken off against AC Milan during Chelsea's 2-0 win but found out the following day that it was more serious than first thought.
James didn't need surgery on his knee but is wearing a protective boot for up to four of the eight weeks he is likely to be out for. England's first match of the tournament is exactly one month today against Iran, a match James will definitely miss, but the hope is his recovery will allow him to play a part in the tournament further down the line.
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Southgate took similar precautions last tournament with Harry Maguire not playing until after the group stages, Kyle Walker is also injured currently and could have similar measures in place with his own selection. James won't play for Chelsea again before breaking up for the World Cup, but Southgate has a 19 day period in which to decide the full-back's fate.
On November 10 the boss will announce his final 26-man squad to be handed to FIFA on November 13. James is extremely unlikely to be available until early December, by which point the knockout stages will have started. The final is on December 18.
James had seemingly sured up his selection as first-choice right wing-back before his injury and would have battled Walker for the starting right-back spot as well. Given England's depth in the position there are still options, but losing James' skill and dynamism will be a big blow no matter how long for. Graham Potter himself is already having to deal with the consequences of not having James.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher may well also make the 55-man squad and have six games left to impress Southgate enough to force their way into the final World Cup pool.
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