The 26-year-old has been a consistent presence in the Blues side this term, excelling both in defence and in midfield across 38 appearances in all competitions.

James has been capped 22 times by the Three Lions and was part of the England squad that reached the European Championship final in 2021.

He will return to familiar territory during this summer’s tournament, as England’s third group-stage takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the scene of our Club World Cup final triumph over Paris Saint-Germain.

James is included in the squad alongside Chelsea Academy graduates Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento.

England squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)