Reece James described constant talk around his previous injury issues as "boring" after enjoying a relatively undisrupted 2025-26 campaign with Chelsea. 

James made 44 appearances across all competitions, 33 of which were starts, the most he has managed since 2020-21, when he started 34 of his 47 outings. 

The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury towards the end of last season, but was able to return to the pitch just in time to be selected for England's World Cup squad. 

He played the duration of England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening game of the tournament, finishing with team-high totals for aerial duels won (two) and passes into the final third (10) for Thomas Tuchel's side. 

James has struggled with different injury issues throughout his early career, but says the narrative of his problems is becoming overused and wearing thin on him. 

"People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me, it's so boring now," James told BBC 5 Live.

"I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I'm on the pitch. To be honest, I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.

"I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise.

"I just focus on myself, my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team I'm playing in."

A big win for Reece and England. pic.twitter.com/Qc2Nv6Pp7y

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 17, 2026

It is no coincidence that James' most appearances in a single season for Chelsea came under Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge in January 2021. 

James was a key part of the Blues' Champions League success against Manchester City five years ago, and he feels the trust of Tuchel at international level with England. 

"We worked together previously at Chelsea, we won trophies together, and I love playing under him," he told talkSPORT.

"Him as a person, him as a manager, it just connects really well with him. I like his managerial side and his personal side as well.

"If you look across the board of top managers, there are some amazing managers that are solely football focused, and then there are some that are very good man-managers and not so good managers. But, for me, he ticks both the boxes.

"I've been in a few dressing rooms when he's come out with good speeches, at half-time, before the game, after the game.

"We all want the same thing, we're all fighting for the same goal, and it comes from his passion and willingness to want to win."