November 10th 2023.
Mauricio Pochettino has spoken out about Reece James' absence from the latest England squad. The Chelsea captain recently recovered from a serious hamstring injury and was expected to be included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
However, James decided to focus on building up his fitness at Cobham over the international break and Pochettino insists it was a decision made with his best long-term interests at heart.
"It's never the decision of the player," said Pochettino ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester City. "The medical staff, sports science and coaching staff always take the decisions, not the player. Reece is desperate to go to the national team and I only think this will be good for the national team and Chelsea also."
Raheem Sterling was also left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad and Pochettino is adamant the experienced winger remains desperate to represent his country.
"It is Gareth's decision and you have to respect that," he said. "All the English players are desperate to go to their national team. Sometimes they feel disappointed as they are not in. But the only way to change that is really working hard in your club."
Pochettino added that all of the English players are desperate to go with the England team and the only way to change the situation is to work hard with their clubs.
"It's in your hands to perform but not after," he said.
It seems clear that both Reece James and Raheem Sterling are keen to represent their country but now must focus on their performances at their respective clubs in order to have the best chance of being selected for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
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