Thiago Silva backs Reece James to become England centurion
Thiago Silva believes Reece James will go on to reach world-class status and eventually join England’s exclusive centurion club.
The 21-year-old has been in stellar form this season both defensively and offensively, with Thomas Tuchel’s men having conceded the fewest amount of goals in Europe’s top five league (six), while on a personal level, the attacking wing-back has helped himself to four Premier League goals.
Such form has culminated in Chelsea currently leading the way in the Premier League, with the Blues one point and two points ahead of champions Manchester City and title-chasers Liverpool respectively, recently strengthening their grip on top spot with a 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
That midweek showdown with former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri was one of the few occasions James has failed contribute to the club’s scoring, with the England international kept on ice for the weekend journey to West Ham, having either assisted or scored in six of his 10 Premier League appearances this term.
18+, UK only. Deposit and place a minimum £10 cash bet at single or accumulated odds of 1/1 or greater and we will give you 1 x £5 in free bets plus an extra 3 x £5 Free Bets the following day. Applies to first cash bet only. Free bets credited as 4 x £5 bets to use on 3x Any sport & 1x Virtuals. Cashed Out, Void or Draw No Bet wagers do not qualify for this promotion. 1 x £5 Free Bets are credited upon qualifying first bet settlement, other free bets credited by midday the day after your first bet settles. 7-day free bet expiry. Available once per customer. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Full T&C’s apply.
18+ only. Use code BET30. New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply
18+ only. £10 min. deposit required. 1 x £10 qualifying bet required. Qualifying bet must be placed on selection with min. odds of 1.8 (4/5). 4 x £5 Free Bets will be credited once the qualifying bet has been settled. 1 x Free Bet valid for any Football Match Result market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Football Correct Score market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Horse Racing market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Tennis market. Free Bets valid for 7 days once credited. T&Cs apply.
Silva, who marshals Tuchel’s backline, has recently given a glowing account of his young team-mate, whom he believes will go on to add 90+ caps to the 10 he has already collected with England during his career. He also believes he is currently on the right trajectory to reach a world-class level on day.
“I’m probably the right person to ask about Reece James as I’m a massive fan of his,” Silva told Chelsea’s official website.
“He may be young but the way he plays you think he’s been playing over 10 years in Chelsea with over 100 caps for England. He is someone who plays with such personality and great physical strength, but also great strength beyond that, and when you put it all together you’ve got yourself an exceptional player.
“That’s something he’s showing at the moment but he’s still someone who could improve because he’s young and with experience, he’s going to learn even more to become a real world-class talent.”
England centurions
As it stands there are just nine players who have received over 100 caps for the Three Lions, with Peter Shilton the current leading appearance-maker with 125, while Wayne Rooney is the nation’s all-time outfield representative, turning out for England 120 times.
David Beckham comes next with 115 caps, while Steven Gerrard made just one fewer appearance than his former international team-mate. World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore completes the top five with 108, while Ashley Cole is in esteemed company at 107.
Bobby Charlton and Frank Lampard come in next with 106 caps apiece, while Billy Wright finishes the list on 105. Current player who could go on to reach 100 caps include 26-year-old Raheem Sterling, who has 72, Harry Kane on 67, while 24-year-old Marcus Rashford already has 46.
