Ben Chilwell will replace Chelsea teammate Reece James in England’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Hungary.
James picked up an ankle injury in the Blues’ defeat to Manchester City and hasn’t featured since. Gareth Southgate still decided to call the right-back into the England squad for the October internationals, with Thomas Tuchel admitting his shock because James was yet to advance his recovery beyond work in the swimming pool.
England have now confirmed that Chilwell will take James’ place in the squad. The 24-year-old has struggled to nail down a place in the Chelsea lineup this season, with Marcos Alonso often preferred.
Chilwell started in scored in their 3-1 weekend win over Southampton however, and will now get a chance to impress with the Three Lions again.
He was part of England’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad too, though did not play a single minute at the tournament, with Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier preferred to him at left-back.
Meanwhile, Chilwell’s former Chelsea teammate Tammy Abraham has also received a late call-up to Southgate’s squad. The Roma striker has enjoyed a fast start to life in Italy, scoring four goals in nine games and quickly becoming a fan favourite.
