Chelsea boss Graham Potter has reacted after Chelsea right-back Reece James failed to England’s World Cup squad due to injury.

The 22-year-old appeared to be a nailed-on starter for Gareth Southgate’s starting XI in Qatar until he suffered a knee injury in the Champions League victory over AC Milan in October.

Reacting to news of his player missing out, Potter told Sky Sports ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Manchester City: “He tried his best. It’s a blow for him, England and for us.

“He came off against Milan. A world-class player like Reece, we miss. It’s now just about trying to give him the perspective that he’s got a long and big career ahead, a lot of time.

“There’s not much you can say at the moment. It’s a World Cup and he wants to play.”