LONDON: Chelsea defender Reece James has said he is “devastated” at failing to recover from injury in time to be included in England’s World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old was injured against AC Milan on October 11 and began jogging this week after Chelsea had initially said he was expected to be out for eight weeks.

However he said on Twitter: “The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight but I always felt it was possible.

“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team.

“I appreciate there was a risk on both sides, but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”

England’s World Cup campaign gets underway against Iran on 21 November.

Manager Gareth Southgate’s options were not been helped by injury to fellow right-back Kyle Walker.

The Manchester City defender had groin surgery at the start of October, but told the BBC last month he was “confident” of being fit for the World Cup.

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