Chelsea and England star Reece James has wasted no time getting back into top shape after an injury-ravaged 2023/24 campaign saw him miss out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
The 24-year-old right-back was spotted going for an intense run on the beach in Santa Monica, California, this week as he looks to hit the ground running ahead of next season.
James’ injury nightmare
It’s been a season to forget for the talented defender, who managed just 11 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea due to persistent hamstring problems.
His lack of game time ultimately cost him a place in the England squad for the European Championships.
After establishing himself as one of the best right-backs in world football over the previous two seasons, James’ 2023–24 campaign was derailed by injuries from almost the very start.
His first spell on the sidelines came in September after suffering a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham.
He made a brief return in October and November before breaking down again with another hamstring issue that required surgery in December.
James was ruled out for over three months as he recovered from the operation and worked his way back to full fitness.
Back on the Comeback Trail
The Santa Monica beach run signals James is ready to put his injury woes behind him and re-establish himself as a key player for both Chelsea and England next season.
His breathtaking pace, power, and quality delivery from the right flank make him a hugely valuable asset when fit.
During his Instagram story, James could be seen running at a fast pace along the iconic California beach, working up a sweat in preparation for the grueling pre-season schedule that lies ahead.
The hard work has already begun for the England international as he aims to return to peak condition over the summer months.
For Chelsea, getting James back firing on all cylinders is imperative if they are to improve on a bitterly disappointing 2023–24 Premier League campaign that saw them miss out on European qualification.
His marauding runs from right-back and pinpoint crosses into the box are a major part of their attacking threat.
Bouncing back for England
James will also be determined to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England plans ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany.
His absence from the squad was keenly felt, with the Three Lions lacking the elite quality at right back that James provides when fully fit.
At just 24 years of age, the Chelsea academy graduate has already racked up 25 senior caps for his country and will be targeting many more if he can put his injury issues behind him.
James was a key part of the England side that reached the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
His battle for the right-back spot with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Kieran Trippier will be one to watch over the next 12 months.
If James can get a full pre-season under his belt and avoid any setbacks, he will back himself to be Southgate’s first-choice option for a major tournament on home soil next summer.
A Huge 2024/25 Season Ahead
After a hugely frustrating year disrupted by injuries, the 2024/25 season represents a huge opportunity for Reece James to re-establish his status as one of the world’s elite full-backs and force his way back into England contention.
Chelsea’s new manager, whoever that may be, will be relying heavily on the academy graduate to provide a consistent threat from the right flank as they target an immediate return to the Champions League.
For James himself, staying fit has to be the top priority after missing a staggering 200 days of action through various muscle injuries this season.
His proactive decision to get a head start on his pre-season preparations in California suggests he is hungrier than ever to put his injury hell behind him.
If he can re-capture the kind of form that saw him named in the Premier League Team of the Year in 2021/22, James will deservedly reclaim his place as an automatic starter for club and country. English football’s elite right-back is ready to rise again.