New Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Reece James will remain captain of Chelsea FC ahead of the new season.
Alonso, who has officially begun work at the club, made the announcement as pre-season preparations get underway this week. The squad is currently reduced, with several players still involved in international duty as the World Cup reaches its final stages.
James is among those away, set to feature for England against Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final, where he will face teammate Enzo Fernández.
Despite his absence, Alonso expressed full confidence in the 27-year-old defender’s leadership.
“He can do everything,” Alonso said. “He can attack from inside or outside, deliver quality balls, and he’s strong on set-pieces. He has blue DNA, which is very important. He’s going to be the captain.”
