REECE JAMES has been given the devastating news by England boss Gareth Southgate that his World Cup dream is over.
Right-back James, 22, was desperate to make Southgate’s squad for Qatar despite last month’s knee injury.
A positive scan yesterday increased the defender’s belief he could be back for the knockout stages — and James ran on grass at Chelsea’s Cobham base for the first time since his operation.
But Southgate rang the Blues ace to deliver the bad news in person, telling him he could not afford to take a risk on his fitness.
A source said: “Reece was confident he would be OK by the start of December.
“But Gareth decided he could not take the gamble.
“It is devastating news for Reece because he believed he would be OK.”
James suffered his injury against AC Milan on October 11 and was always facing a tough race.
Southgate names his 26-man squad for the tournament tomorrow, with England kicking off against Iran on November 21 and facing a potential second-round tie on December 4.
Hours earlier, Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed Blues medics had been in regular touch with England staff — although he had not contacted Southgate directly.
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Potter said: “Reece was outside having a jog. It is just about how he responds. We know he is pretty optimistic about it — but in this situation you need to be.”
Yet Southgate’s decision ended all that optimism and also suggests he may have to take a similarly tough call on Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, despite Pep Guardiola suggesting they will be available for selection after injuries.
However, it improved the chances of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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