Reece James reveals surprise reason why he didn’t celebrate stunning England goal
Reece James admitted that his muted celebration was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal. The Chelsea star found the back of the net in England’s 3-0 win over Latvia with a glorious free-kick late in the first half. James’ celebration was surprisingly muted for so such a moment of qualityGetty Stepping up from all of 30 yards, James curled his effort around the Latvia goal and into the top corner of the Wembley net. While his teammates swarmed him to celebrate his effort, James kept a straight face – a reaction that was unusual given the quality of his strike. But reflecting on his celebration, James insisted there was nothing to worry about. Asked about his relaxed celebration on ITV, James smiled: “I was surprised it hit the back of the net. “I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay, it was probably tough.” Speaking about the strike, James said: “I saw the wall and I thought I could bend it round and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net.” Asked about his teammate’s strike, Eberechi Eze added: “You know the qualities he’s got. “He’s capable of hitting dead balls like that and yeah, it’s expected because he’s quality.” James’ strike came on a big occasion with it being his first England appearance since September 2022. Having not played for his country at all in two years, the full-back was delighted to have been given the call by his former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. James opened the scoring with an excellent free-kick strikeGetty Reflecting on his performance, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham said: “First England start for three years, and he hits a free kick that would’ve beaten most keepers. “Made a crucial tackle to stop a Latvia counter in the second half as well. Versatile, he finished the game at left-back.” James’ goal was followed by a strike from Harry Kane to put England firmly in control. Eze then wrapped up the victory for England with his first-ever strike for the Three Lions. The 3-0 win over Latvia means that it has been the perfect start to life as England boss for Tuchel.
Reece James admitted that his muted celebration was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal.
The Chelsea star found the back of the net in England’s 3-0 win over Latvia with a glorious free-kick late in the first half.
Stepping up from all of 30 yards, James curled his effort around the Latvia goal and into the top corner of the Wembley net.
While his teammates swarmed him to celebrate his effort, James kept a straight face – a reaction that was unusual given the quality of his strike.
But reflecting on his celebration, James insisted there was nothing to worry about.
Asked about his relaxed celebration on ITV, James smiled: “I was surprised it hit the back of the net.
“I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay, it was probably tough.”
Speaking about the strike, James said: “I saw the wall and I thought I could bend it round and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net.”
Asked about his teammate’s strike, Eberechi Eze added: “You know the qualities he’s got.
“He’s capable of hitting dead balls like that and yeah, it’s expected because he’s quality.”
James’ strike came on a big occasion with it being his first England appearance since September 2022.
Having not played for his country at all in two years, the full-back was delighted to have been given the call by his former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Reflecting on his performance, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham said: “First England start for three years, and he hits a free kick that would’ve beaten most keepers.
“Made a crucial tackle to stop a Latvia counter in the second half as well. Versatile, he finished the game at left-back.”
James’ goal was followed by a strike from Harry Kane to put England firmly in control.
Eze then wrapped up the victory for England with his first-ever strike for the Three Lions.
The 3-0 win over Latvia means that it has been the perfect start to life as England boss for Tuchel.
