James: Importance of Argentina match in World Cup semi-final increases pressure

England national team defender Reece James expressed his great joy at recovering from injury, coinciding with the crucial stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

James told Lions Radio, “It’s good to be back here with the team again. Suffering an injury during a major tournament is always a race against time. I’ve done my utmost, and I’m happy to be back on the pitch.”

Although manager Thomas Tuchel’s men have not always been at their best throughout the tournament, they have found a way to overcome every obstacle. However, the biggest test awaits them in the quarter-finals, as the matches between England and Argentina carry a rich and storied history. Yet James believes his side is capable of handling the atmosphere.

He explained, “This comes with experience. The more important the match, the greater the pressure. We’ve been doing this for years, and the fundamentals remain the same, but the prize this time is slightly different.”

James added, “We live in a bubble and try to focus on completing our mission. It’s hard to see what’s happening outside, but we’re happy because we’re making everyone back home feel proud. This is what dreams are made of. Everyone, when they were a little child, dreamed of playing in the World Cup and winning it, and now we’re facing one of the best nations in the semi-finals.”