The only one of our four matches at the tournament so far which has not ended in a Chelsea victory was our second group fixture, a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in Philadelphia. We are now back at Lincoln Financial Field to take on another Brazilian team in the quarter-finals, where we play Palmeiras at 2am UK time tomorrow [Saturday].

We recovered from the loss to Flamengo to progress regardless, but now we are in knockout football only a victory will keep us in the USA this time. That previous group-stage fixture leaves James in no doubt as to the quality of opposition we will be facing in this last-eight tie too.

‘For sure we learned a lot about playing a Brazilian team in the group. Flamengo were a difficult team and we’re expecting a very tough game tomorrow,’ said the Blues skipper.

‘We’re ready for war tomorrow, we know we need to win the game and we’re preparing the best we can because there will be no second chances.’

He also eased any fears that those preparations may be affected by our grueling match against Benfica in the previous round. That lasted well over two hours from start to finish, due to a lengthy delay during a thunderstorm, then going to extra time before we triumphed 4-1, 140 minutes after kick-off.

‘It was a draining experience’, James reflected. ‘It was a long day, it felt like the game took four or five hours.

‘I don’t think anyone will experience that again in their career, but I’d like to think we’re recovered and we’ll be ready to go by tomorrow.’

Our captain also gave his early impression of new signing Joao Pedro, who has been training with the squad in the USA since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week, and is eligible to make his Chelsea debut against Palmeiras.

‘He’s been in one or two sessions so far, but straight away you can see his quality,’ Reece added.

‘We’re very happy to have him here. I’ve played against him many times and he’s an amazing player and I’m sure he’ll do amazing things for us.

‘Playing against him he’s a handful. He’s had me sent off once before, which wasn’t the most enjoyable! But he’s an amazing player. So far he looks good and he looks pretty sharp.’

Chelsea's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras will be shown live by DAZN and you can watch by signing up for free here.