England's James out of Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine

England's James out of Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine

© AFP 2022
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:29 PM
England defender Reece James
England defender Reece James. Photo: Paul ELLIS / AFP
Source: AFP

England defender Reece James will miss the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine, it was announced Saturday.

The 23-year-old Chelsea right-back's season has been blighted by injury, with James missing the World Cup in Qatar due to a knee problem.

He came off the bench as 10-man England completed a 2-1 victory against reigning champions Italy in Thursday's European qualification opener -- his first cap since September.

But he has now been ruled out of Sunday's Group C match at home to Ukraine.

"Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad and will not feature against Ukraine on Sunday," a Football Association statement read.

"The full-back has returned to Chelsea for assessment on an ongoing issue."

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James follows Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Nick Pope in withdrawing from manager Gareth Southgate's initial squad, with the FA adding Saturday that "no replacements are planned".

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© AFP 2022 photo
© AFP 2022