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Football London
Football London
Sport
Alan Smith

Reece James earns England call-up as FA delay Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell arrival

Chelsea right back Reece James has been called into the England senior squad for the first time.

The 20-year-old will link up with Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of Thursday's friendly against Wales and the Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Denmark.

James, who has started the season well for Frank Lampard's side, has been a regular for Aidy Boothroyd's Under-21s but, with three games in a week, he has now been drafted in to Southgate's team.

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It is unclear if another player is dropping out with right backs Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier in the squad initially named last week.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling has pulled out with a minor injury and there are questions over whether Jadon Sancho and Chelsea pair Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell will remain having appeared to break coronavirus rules over the weekend.

The trio were pictured at a party to celebrate Abraham's 23rd birthday, for which the striker has apologised, and the FA have said they are assessing if there are any risks associated with them joining the group.

"As a precaution to understand if there is any risk to the wider group, the arrival of Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho will be delayed. This is to allow time to gather further information of a social gathering that all three players reportedly attended over the weekend.

Abraham said: “I arrived home to find a small surprise gathering. Though I was totally unaware this was planned, I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown for the organisation and attending of this gathering.

“All I can do now is learn from it, apologise to everyone and ensure it never happens again.”

Government regulations stipulate that no more than six people outside of one household can meet. Reports suggest there were more than 20 people at the party.

The FA are expected to provide a further squad update today as players gather at St George's Park.

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