James' workload and game time has been carefully managed by head coach Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea staff this season after a couple of challenging seasons for the defender.

The Blues skipper missed the start of the 2024/25 campaign and then had a spell on the sidelines before the turn of the year but has enjoyed a strong second half to the season.

James has made 27 Chelsea appearances in all competitions during 2024/25, his most since the 2021/22 campaign, and last month guided the Blues back into the Champions League and lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy as captain.

The 25-year-old's form also saw him given a first England start in two-and-a-half years in March and he marked the occasion in some style, scoring a world-class free-kick, his first Three Lions goal.

James said: 'I had a difficult two or three seasons, always being injured, coming back and breaking down again. It was tough.

'It takes a lot out of you when you have had so many setbacks.

'This season I feel I have come on leaps and bounds, playing on a consistent basis and getting selected for England again.

'I’m feeling strong and, for sure, I’m moving in the right direction. I finished off the season strongly, and I feel like I’m in a good place.'

It has been a great couple of weeks for the Blues. Having guaranteed our return to Champions League football next season and become the first club to win all of UEFA's major competitions, we secured the services of one of England's most exciting young strikers, Liam Delap.

Despite being in an Ipswich Town side which finished second from bottom and 16 points from safety, Delap still scored 12 Premier League goals and caused some of the division's leading centre-halves real problems despite being just 22 years of age.

James was asked about Delap's arrival during a press conference ahead of England's World Cup qualifier with Andorra tonight. He replied: 'He’s had a great season at Ipswich and I’m very happy he’s going to be joining us for next season. He’s a great player and I’m delighted he’s with us.'

You can get your hands on a 'Delap 9' 2025/26 Chelsea shirt here!