Chelsea: Reece James back with a bang to remind England what he can do ahead of Euro 2024
After being sidelined due to injury for over five months, the Chelsea defender and club captain made a spectacular return to the field at the City Ground. His entrance, akin to a caged animal finally set free, had an immediate and decisive impact on the game. Despite only beginning his proper comeback, the 24-year-old showed no signs of hesitation or rust from his lengthy absence.
The defender had been forced to watch from the sidelines after a frustrating injury at the tail end of the previous year, undoubtedly growing more eager and determined to make his mark upon his return. That opportunity came during a tense moment in the match when, in the 79th minute, he substituted onto the pitch with Chelsea trailing and a fierce resolve to turn the game around.
Upon entering the game, he quickly signaled his readiness to take charge by demanding the ball from teammate Malo Gusto. Once in possession, he demonstrated his prowess by effortlessly breezing past defenders and firing a powerful warning shot that forced an urgent clearance from just under the crossbar.
His assertiveness continued to shine a minute later, at the 80th minute, when he took control and strategically moved the ball from the right side of the pitch to find Raheem Sterling on the left. This pivotal move set up Sterling perfectly to score, bringing the score level.
The momentum didn’t stop there. In the 82nd minute, the defender showcased his skill with a signature cross that allowed Nicolas Jackson to score, dramatically turning the tide of the match and snatching a last-minute victory for Chelsea. This thrilling sequence of events underscored the immense impact he could have on the team’s performance.
While Nottingham Forest played exceptionally well, the match ultimately highlighted Chelsea’s potential when their key players are all available. The inclusion of Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Raheem Sterling as options off the bench played a crucial role in Chelsea’s ability to come back from a 2-1 deficit, which had been established by a header from Wily Boly and a stunning finish by Callum Hudson-Odoi after Mykhailo Mudryk’s initial strike in the eighth minute.
Reece James, in particular, proved to be the standout performer of the match. Overcoming his previous hamstring issues, he reasserted his presence on the field, rekindling the affectionate chants of “Reece James, he’s one of our own” from the Chelsea fans. Although his time on the pitch was brief, lasting only 18 minutes, his commanding performance was so impactful that it surely placed him back in the considerations for national team selection by Gareth Southgate ahead of the upcoming European Championships.
