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Chelsea captain Reece James insists he is "feeling strong" ahead of England's two upcoming fixtures and the Club World Cup.

face Andorra on Saturday night in a qualifier before playing Senegal in a friendly next Tuesday. James has some competition if he wants to make the right-back position his own for next summer’s World Cup, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also in contention.

James came off the bench in March in England's 2-0 win over Albania but started the following match against Latvia three days later. The right-back scored a stunning first-half free kick and will be hoping for something similar this weekend.

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The defender, who has battled a number of injuries in recent years, will fly to the US after his international commitments are finished, . The Blues face Los Angeles, Flamengo and ES Tunis in Group D with their campaign starting on June 16.

The 25-year-old has had an excellent season for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, leading them to UEFA Conference League glory and Champions League qualification, with the chance of more silverware to come in the form of the Club World Cup. He believes he is going in the “right direction” and is not fazed by competition for places.

“I had a difficult two or three seasons, always being injured and coming back and breaking down again, and it was tough,” he admitted. “It takes a lot out of you when you have so many setbacks.

“This season, I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds, playing on a consistent basis, getting selected for England again. I’m feeling strong, and for sure, I’m moving in the right direction.

“It’s something I’m used to, playing or competing with world-class players. They’re two phenomenal players in my position. And yes, of course, it’s going to be tough. But we all have different capabilities and different strengths, just whichever one the manager wants to play.”

James' sister, Lauren, has overcome injury to be named in the Lionesses squad for Euro 2025 in July. He is delighted for his younger sister and knows the siblings are making their parents proud.

“I’m delighted for her,” the right-back said. “She obviously got injured with England at the back end of the season, and I’m happy she got selected to represent England going into another Euros.

“I’ve spoken to her briefly yesterday, I know she’s focused on training and trying to get her body right for the tournament. The family are very much happy. Both of us representing our country, they’re proud.”