Reece James delivers FIFA huge Club World Cup compliment - but calls for change

Reece described the Club World Cup as the proudest moment of his career. The Boyhood Chelsea fan led the club to glory in the MetLife Stadium as they won the new-look tournament and pocketed a £97m jackpot in prize money.

England defender James won the Champions League and has enjoyed great success by also lifting the Europa Conference League this season but says the latest trophy is very special.

James said: “It's amazing for me. Since a little boy I supported this team. I just wanted to play for this club just once. That would have been enough for me. To captain the team and lead them to two trophies this season has been a dream for me.”

James also believes it will give Chelsea confidence that they can win more silverware - and get back to being a major player again. He said: “I think for sure we are moving in the right direction. Winning this trophy against such good opposition sends a big statement.

“I'm happy with how much the club has progressed. I hope next season we're competing in the Premier League to win the title and competing to go far in the Champions League as well.”

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“We beat the champions of Europe. They beat, as people told me, all the other English teams. So I know for sure it gives us confidence moving forward. I think we'll take this moving forward as well.”

James also cleared up the confusion over Donald Trump presenting the trophy as the Chelsea captain appeared to mouth: “Is he going?” Versatile James also said that the pitches were a let-down in the United States and must be improved before next year’s World Cup.

He said: “I think the first thing I have to say today is that it probably highlights how big the tournament is. The coverage for the tournament and the final was huge.

“And yes, answering your question, before they told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay. The venue here is top. The pitches are not so good. Hopefully there are some changes for the World Cup next year.”

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