Reece James has taken full responsibility for the red card he received after the final whistle of England’s clash with Denmark on Wednesday night as the Chelsea full-back impressed on his full international debut.
England lost the game 1-0 thanks to a Christian Eriksen penalty in the first half followed a red card for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.
It was a bad night at the office for Gareth Southgate’s side, who could count themselves unlucky over a bizarre penalty decision, but James was a standout on his first start for his country.
The Chelsea right-back earned great reviews from his teammates and manager, despite seeing red for an emotional outburst at the referee following the final whistle.
After the match James tweeted: ‘Tonight’s game was full of emotion, desire and hunger. Proud to have made my full senior debut in such a testing game.
‘I take full responsibility for the red card after the final whistle. Moments like this will make me stronger!’
Southgate was not too frustrated by James’ post-match sending off, instead focussing on the positives of an impressive performance from the 20-year-old.
‘That’s a lesson he’s got to learn. He had an incredible debut, he’s impressed me all week,’ said the manager.
‘Until that moment he’d showed great maturity. It’s ended up something that shouldn’t have happened but for the overall week he’s made a positive impression.’
England are incredibly well-stocked at right-back with James competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for the slot, which is most likely to be given to Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold in big games.
Southgate’s side are now third in their Nations League group with two games to play and their fate out of their own hands.
Their remaining games at Belgium and home to Iceland next month must yield at least four points and other results must go their way for the Three Lions to top the group and head into the knockout stage.
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