REECE JAMES is relishing his friendly rivalry with Callum Hudson-Odoi for a spot in the Chelsea team.
But James knows he must win the battle for Thomas Tuchel’s right wing-back place to remain in the frame for Gareth Southgate’s England Euros squad.
Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten run under new boss Tuchel against Everton tonight, with James, 21, starting four of those ten matches.
Hudson-Odoi, 20, has been preferred in other games, though James got the nod for Thursday’s 1-0 win at Liverpool.
He said: “I’ve known Callum for years and there is no problem between me and him. We get on well together and it is part of the game.
“The manager always has his reasons why he thinks that person should play. He makes the calls and I respect them.
“When you play for a top team you cannot always play and might find yourself in a period where you don’t play as much.
“So you have to keep working hard and you never know when your chance will come.”
James made four appearances for England last autumn and Southgate names his squad on March 18 for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland later this month.
The defender added: “England play the same formation and, yes, that probably helps.
“It will give the manager a clearer understanding of how I play as I am playing in this formation week in, week out.”
‘THE MANAGER IS VERY FUNNY’
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Chelsea can take a big step towards Champions League qualification by beating in-form Everton tonight.
And James admits German Tuchel has made a big impact — both on and off the pitch.
He added: “The manager is very funny and very passionate.
“The manager wants to win, he wants the best for his players and I think that shows when he is on the sidelines kicking and heading every ball.
“I think the style of play he has brought in was evident and clear for us to understand.
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“The more we play together, the stronger we will be.
“We have to win trophies this season. There are not many games left to play and we need to keep working and keep pushing, game by game.”
CHELSEA (likely XI): Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Werner.
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