Reece James Happy to Let Harry Kane Handle Donald Trump Duty if England Win World Cup

Chelsea captain jokes about avoiding a second meeting with former US President as he dreams of lifting the World Cup with England.

Chelsea and England defender Reece James has light-heartedly admitted he would happily pass on any future encounter with Donald Trump to Harry Kane — should the Three Lions fulfil their World Cup ambitions next summer.

The 24-year-old found himself thrust into the global spotlight in July when Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea stunned Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain to claim the FIFA Club World Cup title at the MetLife Stadium in the United States.

Following the dramatic victory, Trump presented James with the trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, Infantino’s humorous attempt to have the former US President step aside for the celebrations was politely ignored, leaving fans and players alike bemused.

Recalling the moment, James said he would have no complaints letting England captain Harry Kane take the lead if a similar situation arose on football’s grandest stage.

“I don’t have a plan — I’ll leave that to Harry,” James joked.
“It’s my dream, as it is for every young boy and girl, to become a world champion for their country.
I’ve dreamt about it since I first started playing and from the moment I was selected for England. I genuinely believe we could go close.”

Preparing for the Heat

James also issued a word of caution to his England teammates ahead of the World Cup, warning of the “super difficult conditions” they are likely to face, having already experienced intense heat during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.

The right-back endured both extremes of weather, from blistering heatwaves in Philadelphia to torrential thunderstorms in Charlotte — a stark contrast to the conditions usually found in England.

“Everyone is aware of that and we’re trying to prepare as best we can,” he said.
“It’s extremely tough to play in that sort of heat, especially for us, because we’re not used to it. You can feel it the moment you step outside the hotel.
The longer you stay, the more you adapt — especially when you’re settled in one place and managing what you can.
Later kick-offs, when it’s not so hot and humid, would definitely help.”

As England continue their preparations for next summer, James remains hopeful that the Three Lions can go one better than their Euro 2020 final heartbreak — and that if the ultimate triumph comes, it will be Harry Kane, not him, shaking hands with Donald Trump.