11 November 2023 , 13:09
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Mauricio Pochettino has denied Gareth Southgate's claim that Reece James turned down a call-up to the latest England squad and insists the Chelsea star is "desperate" to play for his country.
James, 23, recently returned from another lengthy spell on the sidelines to captain the Blues but this week wasn't included on Southgate's list of 25 players to face Malta and North Macedonia later this month. Southgate claimed at a press conference that the Chelsea right-back "didn't quite feel ready" to be included.
The England manager then warned James that his decision puts his place at Euro 2024 next summer in jeopardy, having last played for the Three Lions in September 2021. Blues boss Pochettino, however, has insisted the final call was down to the FA and affirmed that his 23-year-old skipper is "desperate" to play for England.
"It's never the decision of the player," Pochettino declared on Friday. "The medical staff, sports science and coaching staff always make the decisions, not the player. Reece is desperate to go to the national team and I only think this will be good for the national team and Chelsea also. But it's not a decision by him, he is desperate to go."
The Argentine coach then added that he respected Southgate's decision to once again omit Chelsea forward and previous England mainstay Raheem Sterling from his squad. "It is Gareth's decision and you have to respect that. All the English players are desperate to go to their national team," Pochettino added ahead of the Blues' clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
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Reece James has returned from injury to captain Chelsea (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)"Sometimes they feel disappointed as they are not in. But the only way to change that is really working hard in your club. Not only Raheem, all of the England players are desperate to go with the England team. The only way to change the situation is to work hard with your club. They are all desperate to be involved. It's in your hands to perform but not after."
Southgate maintains that the door is "100 per cent open" for any player to make their way into his thinking ahead of the European Championships in Germany. However, he'll only name one more squad - for two friendlies in March - before the tournament begins next June.