Reece James, making his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury, has urged England to “live in the moment” as they prepare for a World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday. The Chelsea captain, who came off the bench in England’s quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami after Jude Bellingham’s extra-time winner, said the squad are in a “bubble” focused on their mission.
“It’s hard to take it all in,” James said. “We’re in a bubble, trying to complete our mission. It’s hard to see the outside. We’re happy we’re making everyone at home proud. This is what dreams are made of. Everyone as a little boy dreamt of playing and winning a World Cup. We’re against one of the best nations in the semi-final.”
“Reece James says England must 'live in the moment' ahead of World Cup semi-final against Argentina, his first start since injury.”
England have a storied history with Argentina, having met in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. Overall, the Three Lions have lost only three of their 14 previous meetings. Yet it has been 60 years since England won the only World Cup. Both the men’s and women’s sides have reached the semi-finals in nine of the past 10 international tournaments.
James, who missed three matches after a hamstring strain following England’s game against Ghana, said he feels well prepared. “Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and am happy to be back out there,” he said. He credits the Premier League for England’s rise: “It’s the best league in the world for me and I’m sure many fans. It’s the highest level. A lot of the good quality players are English. It shows how much and how far English football has come in recent years.”
Pundits’ predictions are split ahead of the clash, with Gary Neville among those offering a verdict. James, who can play right‑back or central midfield, said experience helps handle the occasion. “The higher stakes the game is usually the more pressure. We’ve been doing it for 20 years, the fundamentals are the same but the prize is slightly different.”
England must overcome the current World Cup holders to reach Sunday’s final. James said: “This is what dreams are made of.”
