James endured a difficult start to the season, missing three months due to injury before another setback kept him out for two more. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has carefully managed his comeback, but the 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa Conference League win over Copenhagen, scoring a stunning goal from outside the box.
Despite his injury struggles, James has shown his quality when fit. His goal helped Chelsea take control of their last-16 tie, with Enzo Fernandez also finding the net before Copenhagen pulled one back. Joe Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, called James “world-class” and urged England’s new boss Thomas Tuchel to consider him for the upcoming squad selection.
James has not featured for England since 2023, largely due to injuries and intense competition at right-back. However, Cole insists he remains a top talent and praised his versatility, noting his success as a midfielder on loan at Wigan. The former Chelsea star emphasized that James still has plenty to offer both club and country.
Chelsea’s captain expressed satisfaction with the team’s victory, acknowledging the challenge of playing in Denmark. He admitted frustration over conceding late but remained focused on advancing further in the competition. James also highlighted the importance of staying fit and contributing to Chelsea’s success.
Maresca, meanwhile, praised James’ performance, labeling him a “fantastic player” and emphasizing the need to keep him injury-free. The manager revealed that he had envisioned James as a midfielder even before taking charge at Chelsea, sharing a video with him during pre-season. His adaptability has seen him play as a full-back, center-back, and now in central midfield.
The Chelsea boss stressed that keeping James fit for the rest of the season is a top priority, as his presence significantly strengthens the squad. Maresca remains confident that James will continue to play a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of silverware.
Next up, Chelsea faces Leicester City in the Premier League before shifting focus back to their European campaign. With James back in form, the Blues will be looking to capitalize on his influence as they push for success domestically and in Europe.