Chelsea captain expects slow start after shortened World Cup break

Reece James has warned that Chelsea may not be at peak sharpness when they begin the Premier League season under Xabi Alonso at Fulham next Monday.

James played the first 62 minutes of Chelsea’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, the club’s final warm-up match before the campaign begins. The right-back said the short turnaround following the World Cup had left some players still working their way back to full fitness.

“It’s still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but it was a good step,” James said.

James helped England finish third at the tournament, making five appearances and starting three matches, although a hamstring problem kept him out of the knockout wins over DR Congo and Mexico. Other players who went deep into the competition, including Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez, also featured against Real Sociedad.

“The break’s been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there,” James said. “It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I’m delighted to be back and the new season’s going to be getting under way pretty soon.”

James backs Alonso’s authority

Chelsea finished 10th last season and will be seeking a significant improvement under Alonso, who is taking charge after a turbulent period that has seen multiple permanent and interim managers since BlueCo’s takeover in 2022.

James believes Alonso’s experience as a former elite midfielder, including 143 Premier League appearances for Liverpool and major honours with the club, gives him added authority in the dressing room.

“It means a lot coming from a manager and an ex-player of his calibre,” James said. “Hopefully I can give my all for him and deliver when I’m needed most.”

The Chelsea captain added that the new group had settled in well despite having worked together for only a matter of days. The immediate test will come at Craven Cottage, where Chelsea will attempt to put last season’s disappointing finish behind them.