Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has praised Reece James and hopes to see him back in the England squad.

James played a key role in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 first leg. His performance impressed Cole, who spoke about his talent and impact on the game.

“He has the respect of everyone at Chelsea because of his skills and physical strength,” Cole told TNT Sports. “He has so much to offer both Chelsea and England. It’s great to see him making a difference on the pitch.”

Cole also urged fans not to give up on James, calling him a “world-class player” who can be very important for both club and country.

James has struggled with injuries this season, missing the first three months and then suffering another setback in November. Despite these challenges, the 25-year-old is working his way back into form.

James has been with Chelsea’s first team since 2018 and previously played on loan at Wigan Athletic. With his return to fitness, many hope he will soon wear the England shirt again.