EXCLUSIVE: Simpson backs Chelsea's James for England spot
Former Newcastle and Leicester full-back Danny Simpson believes Chelsea right-back Reece James is the player best suited to start for England in that position.
The Blues captain was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to an injury he picked up in a league game against Liverpool at the start of the month. England head coach Thomas Tuchel was forced to start Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence in the right back roles during the 3-0 home friendly win against Wales and the 5-0 away win in their 2026 World Cup qualifier versus Latvia.
Tuchel has long been a fan of James, having heaped praise on the 25-year-old back when he was managing Chelsea in 2022. The German stated that he would "love to have two of Reece James", emphasising his importance to the team at the time.
Despite his clear affection for the Chelsea man, Tuchel now faces a selection dilemma after the impressive displays by Konsa and Spence in the most recent international break. There are also other options for Tuchel at right back, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Tino Livramento.
Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of Mighty Tips, Simpson was keen to state that he feels James is the number one option at right back for England right now.
Simpson said, "The old guard of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier look likely to miss out on the next World Cup, but they have been brilliant servants to England over the years at full back.
"Trent [Alexander-Arnold] needs to get back to top form and really impress in Madrid, as he is definitely one who can nail down that role. He is a unique player. Going forward, he possesses such an outstanding passing range and can be key from set pieces and play multiple positions.
"Personally, I like Reece James a lot. I hope he can be fully fit and really perform well for Chelsea because he is physical, can defend well, has great energy going forward and also has experience at the top level.
"Looking at the new full-backs coming through, Djed Spence at Spurs has done nothing wrong and is a very talented young player. He will get loads of game time for Spurs, is playing in the Champions League, so coming up against top players week-in, week out.
"Spence seems to be liked by Thomas Tuchel, and I expect him to be in the squad, but if everyone's fit, James would be my first choice."
Simpson was also pressed on the managerial situation at another one of his former clubs, Manchester United.
The 38-year-old believes that, in light of owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about giving Ruben Amorim three years to succeed at the club, the Portuguese head coach must now deliver the stability the Red Devils hierarchy craves.
Simpson said, "It’s good to have confidence in the head coach to build stability at the club and not be chopping and changing all the time.
"The transfer window has been positive and there are some good signs on the pitch, too. [Benjamin] Sesko is looking sharper with every game, and I think [Senne] Lemmens looks a big improvement in goal. Building from the back is so important now, so having a good goalkeeper brings confidence to the defence.
"It’s now up to Amorim to put a run of results together and really get the club on an upward trajectory again. I do think he needs to adapt formations at times, depending on the opposition. United need more energy in the centre of midfield.
"I think he has come in at a time when the ownership are desperate for stability, so he has to show he can drive the team forward on the pitch now."
Finally, the Premier League winner was also asked about his thoughts on how much his old club Newcastle can achieve over the next 10 years.
Simpson was hopeful that the Magpies could win a league title within the next decade when asked if that was a realistic achievement.
He stated, "I hope so. Eddie Howe is definitely the right man to take them forward.
"Winning the League Cup was the first step to bring silverware to the club, which was a key objective. Champions League football is back again, so that's another important step financially for the club. It’s important to stay in European competitions and then look to invest well, to challenge for Champions League positions year in year out and ultimately build towards the top prize of winning the Premier League.
"It will be hugely difficult given the quality of other title challengers, but you have to want to be in the mix, and it’s great Newcastle are challenging for those top four positions.
"Now with FFP, it will be interesting to see what happens next. The [Alexander] Isak money will help, plus what the club earn from being in the Champions League. Will they spend big next summer? I'm excited to see."
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
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Last time England played Latvia... A worldie from Reece James 🎯
