Gareth Southgate has been left with a selection dilemma after Reece James was informed he could be fit in three weeks.
James sustained a knee injury in early October that was expected to place his involvement at the World Cup in major doubt, but the Chelsea defender has been told he could be fit to return at the end of November.
England’s World Cup campaign will begin against Iran on November 21, with Southgate set to name his 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar this week.
The Sun are reporting that Southgate now faces a decision on whether to include James, who was expected to play a prominent part in the Three Lions’ campaign. After Iran, England face the USA and Wales in Group B before the knockout rounds begin in early December, provided Southgate’s side progress.
England have previous in taking star names short of full fitness to major tournaments with limited success, with the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney having been rushed back to feature.
Southgate does, however, have concerns at right-back with Kyle Walker having also not featured at club level since October 6. Should Walker and James be deemed unfit to travel, it is expected that Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold would be favourites to make the England squad.
