Gareth Southgate sends warning to Reece James for Euro 2024 as England boss says Chelsea captain needs to improve his “physical toughness” if he wants to return to the team.

Gareth Southgate has suggested that Reece James’ hopes of qualifying for the European Championship rest on his ability to prove he can stay fit for the seven games a team would play if they were to win the trophy.

James has been one of the most unlucky players in the Premier League in recent years when it comes to fitness, with injury cruelly ruling him out of England’s World Cup squad almost 18 months.

The Chelsea captain has already missed 31 games this campaign, having undergone surgery following a hamstring injury earlier in the season.

Due to his inability to avoid injury for extended periods, the 24-year-old has now missed up to 75 games for his club since the start of the 2020-21 season, with fitness issues threatening to spoil his career .

As such, Gareth Southgate has set himself a target for the player if he wants to make the Euro squad this summer.

The Chelsea captain has missed 31 games for his club so far this season due to injuries.

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“Could he play seven matches at the Euro? His record over the last few years suggests not,” Southgate said of the Chelsea captain.

“But is he a top player who could bring something important? No question.

“So yeah, again, it’s another one where the first step is to get back into training, get back into the team and build that physical toughness as quickly as possible.”

England have a glut of top right-backs, perhaps softening the blow of James’ prolonged absence.

Kyle Walker usually starts under Southgate in the No.2 jersey, while Kieran Trippier has also played an important role on both sides of the back four.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – seemingly back to his best this term – would be Trippier’s natural rival for the backup role, with James creating additional competition in the position when fit.

There is also the case of Ben White, who Southgate has revealed is not keen to be included in the England squad this time around, although the manager has indicated the door will remain open for him.

For Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, it was also a hard blow to find themselves without their new captain for a large part of the season.

The Blues have won just 11 Premier League games this season and sit 11th in the league.

The Blues have struggled to maintain consistent form throughout the campaign, although Malo Gusto has filled in well for James and will provide strength in depth once the skipper returns.

Chelsea currently sit 11th in the Premier League, with 11 wins in 27 games, and James has not played for his team since December 10.

The England manager named his 26-man squad to face Belgium and Brazil in upcoming friendlies last week.

Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite have received their first call-ups, while Ezri Konsa is once again in contention for a first ever game for the Three Lions during the international break.