The Blues’ final fixture of pre-season brought us back to Stamford Bridge after our tour of Asia and Australia, as the last members of Xabi Alonso’s squad – including James – returned to action following their post-World Cup break.

With a week to go until the campaign kicks off, it was a promising performance from the Blues, as Morgan Rogers marked his first appearance for the club with the opening goal and Joao Pedro netted twice to give us a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad.

Our captain featured for the first hour of that victory and was pleased with another step forward in pre-season for him and his team-mates.

‘It was a good performance from the team,’ said James. ‘I’m happy to be back out there and the season starts this time in a week.

‘The break’s been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there yesterday. The conditions were tough, it was super hot, but I’m feeling good.

‘It’s still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but yesterday was a good step.

‘It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I’m delighted to be back and the new season’s going to be getting under way pretty soon.’

James and the rest of the Blues who were involved in the latter stages of the World Cup with their countries over the summer returned to training at Cobham last week, with Alonso speaking publicly about the importance of having our captain back in the squad.

‘It means a lot coming from a manager and an ex-player of his calibre,’ Reece responded. ‘It means a lot so hopefully I can give my all for him and deliver when I’m needed most.

‘They’ve just come off the pre-season tour which was a lot of travelling, a lot of games, but from what I’ve seen everyone’s settled in well and I’m delighted with the group.

‘It’s only been four or five days, it’s been super short, but I’m enjoying it very much so far and that’s the same for the boys.’

With the pre-season games now completed, the next time James and Chelsea take to the pitch will be in competitive action, with one week to go until the Premier League begins. For the Blues, that means taking the short trip up the road to face neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage on the evening of Monday 24 August.

‘It’s a super difficult London derby to start off our Premier League campaign but we’re excited and the preparation for that will start pretty soon. I can’t wait!’