Reece James Stands by Nicolas Jackson Amidst Criticism

Chelsea captain Reece James has shown unwavering support for his teammate Nicolas Jackson following recent criticism from pundit Alan Shearer. Despite a challenging start since joining Chelsea from Villarreal over the summer, Jackson silenced his critics with a hat-trick in the victory over Tottenham.

Alan Shearer's Harsh Words

In a previous episode of Match of the Day, Alan Shearer questioned Jackson's ability as a "natural goalscorer," which drew a response from Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. However, James has come to the defense of his teammate, stating that Jackson has never required any encouragement. James praised Jackson's energy and confidence in his abilities, emphasizing that his hard work paid off with his impressive hat-trick.

Confidence Boost for Jackson

James expressed his happiness for Jackson, highlighting the significant confidence boost that comes with scoring a hat-trick, especially against a strong opponent like Tottenham. This performance has given Chelsea renewed belief that they are finding their rhythm, despite the upcoming challenge against reigning champions Manchester City.

Tough Match Ahead

James acknowledged that Manchester City would pose a different challenge compared to Tottenham's nine-man team. However, Chelsea has drawn with Liverpool and Arsenal this season, which has boosted their confidence. James emphasized the importance of proper preparation and a strong performance against City, as any result would reflect their progress.

England Squad Omission

Notably, James has been left out of England's latest squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. This decision was made at the request of Chelsea, as James has recently recovered from a hamstring injury. Despite the disappointment of not being able to represent his country, James discussed how returning to full fitness has aided his role as captain.

Source: Confidential