Thomas Tuchel has cast doubt on Enzo Maresca’s decision to deploy Reece James in midfield, insisting that the Chelsea captain is still best suited to playing as a full-back or wing-back.

Tuchel, now the England manager, announced his first squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, and James’ recall was among the most notable selections. The 25-year-old has endured a torrid run of injuries in recent years, missing England’s last two major tournaments, but his return to form for Chelsea has earned him a place in Tuchel’s squad.

The former Chelsea manager, who guided the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021, remains adamant that James is most effective in his natural position.

“I know Reece,” Tuchel said. “In calling him up now, we made sure before we called him up that he was constantly available in training, that he was constantly available to be picked for matches – so that when he’s not picked for matches, it’s not because of injury, it’s just a choice of the club to maybe protect him a little bit. This was the basis for the nomination.

“I still feel he is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions. I think we have enough players in central midfield who are more specialists there.”

Maresca, however, has been firm in his belief that James is best deployed in the middle of the park. The Chelsea boss revealed that he has viewed James as a midfielder since his first day at the club.

“So, you can ask Reece; when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder,” Maresca explained.

“I see Reece as a midfielder, not now – since day one. Before I met him for the first time, he was on holiday, and I sent him a clip of him playing in midfield.”

The Italian further justified his decision by pointing out that James has been accustomed to playing in a back three at Chelsea, which he believes makes the transition to midfield feasible.

“I’m aware he was exposed to less high-intensity work because he played a different role. He started playing in a back three, so with the ball, they were building a back three with him, which he did also for me at Chelsea.

“In Copenhagen, he played in midfield, so you are not exposed to high-intensity runs. But the history and the numbers recently tell us it is possible, so it’s on him to prove the point.”

Tuchel, however, is not entirely convinced that James can handle the physical demands of a midfield role.

“We need to see if he can do this. He needs to prove the point, to be honest. He needs to prove that he can do it,” the England boss added.

As James prepares to make his return to the international stage, the debate over his best position continues to rage on. While Maresca remains committed to his vision, Tuchel’s stance suggests that, at least for England, James will remain in his more familiar role as a full-back or wing-back.