Reece James makes Donald Trump joke as Chelsea star makes World Cup feelings clear

Reece James has been asked about another potential awkward encounter with the US President at next summer’s World Cup

Reece James joked he is happy to sidestep a second meeting with Donald Trump and leave Harry Kane with the US President should England fulfil their World Cup dreams next summer.

The Chelsea captain found himself in the spotlight in July after Enzo Maresca’s Blues shocked Champions League holders Paris St Germain to win the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

Trump presented James with the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose suggestion that the US President moved out the way for the ensuing celebrations was ignored.

There was bemusement among the delighted Blues, including their skipper who will gladly leave the trophy presentation to England captain Kane should they win the World Cup.

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Asked if he has a plan regarding the US President should they triumph next summer, full-back James said with a smile: “I don’t have a plan. I’ll leave that to Harry.

“It’s my dream, every young boy or girl’s dream, to be a world champion for their country. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I started playing, since I got selected for England. I feel we could go close.”

The defender also hopes hopes FIFA will move World Cup kick-off times to help players deal with stifling summer heat he tasted first-hand while at the Club World Cup.

The United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting a tournament that will be played amid intense heat, which FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani suggested could lead to fixtures being put back having learned from the impact of kick-off times at the Club World Cup.

Tuchel said it would be “better if we play later” having gone to see the tournament in America, where James helped Chelsea sweat their way to success in the summer.

When the England manager’s comments were put to the full-back, he said: “For sure, that would definitely help, later kick-offs when it’s not so hot and humid. That would definitely help.”

Asked if FIFA has contacted the Club World Cup-winning captain for his feedback after the tournament, James added: “No, I haven’t been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times.

“I’m sure they will have asked someone. Maybe managers or peopled at the clubs. I’m sure they will have got some feedback.”

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