Reece James

Reece James is the most complete right-back in English football when fit — a player whose crossing, defensive aggression, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous positions make him genuinely world-class. His Chelsea career has been defined as much by injury as by brilliance, with recurring knee and hamstring problems repeatedly cutting short his best form. When available, he anchors Chelsea's right side and gives England an attacking dimension from deep that few full-backs in the world can match. At 26, the World Cup represents a critical opportunity to finally perform on the biggest stage across a full tournament without interruption.