James ruled out of England's World Cup squad

James was substituted during Chelsea's win at AC Milan after jarring his knee

Chelsea defender Reece James will not be included in England's World Cup squad when it is named on Thursday because of a knee injury.

James, who has 15 caps, remained optimistic of recovering in time for the competition.

He began jogging this week after Chelsea had initially said he was expected to be out for eight weeks.

But it's understood that England manager Gareth Southgate deemed it too big a risk to take James.

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

Southgate's situation has not been helped by an injury to fellow England 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.

However, City boss Pep Guardiola said last week that the 32-year-old would not play for the club before the tournament starts.

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