Reece James marks first England start after two and a half years out with injury with Beckham-like goal and MOTM award
REECE JAMES played it cool as he barely celebrated scoring his first ever England goal.
James was given his first start for the national team in two-and-a-half years – or 910 days – against Latvia by the new England boss Thomas Tuchel.
And James repaid the faith of his old Chelsea boss by scoring a sensational free-kick from 25 yards out to break the deadlock, becoming the first defender to score at Wembley from a direct free-kick since Stuart Pearce against Turkey in 1992.
James made no mistake with his effort as he curled the ball over the wall and into the top right corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper gawping in disbelief as it hit the back of the net.
However, while many stars may have wheeled off in jubilant celebration, the Chelsea defender simply walked off to the side and did not even threaten to cast a smile.
James was mobbed by team-mates with Declan Rice holding a beaming smile with his hand over his shoulder.
Fans had a mixed reaction to the muted celebration, with one fan saying: “By all standards a great free kick from Reece James And I love his (no) celebration.”
A second said: “That Reece James free kick goal and celebration against Latvia, cold.”
A third joked: “Reece James. Come for the goal, stay for the celebration.”
Another said: “Stunning lack of celebration from Reece James there. We love to see it.”
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A fifth said: “Lack of celebration very weird tho…”
A sixth added: “Sorry did Reece James used to play for Latvia? No time for that goal with a celebration like that.”
Roy Keane was also full of praise for the goal at half-time in ITV‘s studio, comparing it to David Beckham.
He said: “It was like David Beckham used to do.
“Very difficult to do, to get the angle right, very difficult.”
England completed a routine 3-0 win late strikes from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze gave the scoreline a respectable look.
James was voted England’s player of the match for his all-round display, in what was just his 18th cap for his country.
His stats show he made 97 passes, and 96 were completed to a team mate.
His career has been undermined by a string of injuries, since his last start for England in September 2022 in a 3-3 draw with Germany.
James much of last season after undergoing hamstring surgery, which was designed to help him overcome a series of injuries.
He has been eased back gently into the Chelsea first team by boss Enzo Maresca since recovering from his most recent hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old later explained his muted reaction to the goal.
Speaking to ITV James said: “It has been a long time, I have had a frustrating two years.
“I’m so happy to be called up by my country again. I saw the wall and felt I could bend it round. I was a bit surprised it hit the net.
“I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay it was probably tough.
“Thomas Tuchel’s ideas are clear. We have one objective and that starts this week right up until the World Cup.”
Tuchel was delighted for James and hopes he can play a big part in his World Cup campaign.
Tuchel said: “I know Reecey and I know the quality that the boy has is amazing.
“He has every right to be proud and happy and satisfied with his performance.”