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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>James scores first ever England goal</li><li>Superb free-kick broke the deadlock vs Latvia</li><li>Ends frustrating two-year absence</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Reece James 'surprised' his free-kick hit the back of the net as England right-back ends 'frustrating two years' with first ever goal for Three Lions

<p>James last featured for the Three Lions against Italy in March 2023 prior to his appearance off the bench against Albania on Friday <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/england-player-ratings-vs-latvia-reece-james-harry-kane-thomas-tuchel/bltdaddc08adfcd256c" target="_blank">before he started - and scored - in Monday's 3-0 win over Latvia</a>. He celebrated the occasion <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/best-free-kick-reece-james-england-fans-awe-chelsea-right-back-world-cup-qualifying-latvia/blt1ed3e65e75883b12" target="_blank">with a stunning free-kick in the first half</a> and admitted he was surprised his effort had hit the net.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>James has battled persistent injury issues since last taking his place in an England squad but has returned to the fold under former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. Should he remain fit, Monday's goal will ensure he remains a regular fixture.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I was a bit surprised it hit the back of the net." 😅<br><br>First England goals for Eze and James! ⚽️👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITVFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITVFootball</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> | 🎙️ <a href="https://twitter.com/gabrielclarke05?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gabrielclarke05</a> <a href="https://t.co/FKyiKAznKb">pic.twitter.com/FKyiKAznKb</a></p>— ITV Football (@itvfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/1904288808851644820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>James told <em>ITV Sport</em>: "It has been a long time. I have had a frustrating two years. I'm so happy to be called up by my country again. I saw the wall and felt I could bend it round. I was a bit surprised it hit the net. Thomas Tuchel's ideas are clear. We have one objective and that starts this week right up until the World Cup."</p>

WHAT JAMES SAID

<p>James will return to Chelsea, who are next in action against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge next Thursday in the Premier League. England play Andorra in their next World Cup qualifier in June, before hosting Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES AND ENGLAND?

Reece James 'surprised' his free-kick hit the back of the net as England right-back ends 'frustrating two years' with first ever goal for Three Lions | Goal.com

Reece James was surprised his stunning free-kick hit the net as he ended his wait for an England start by breaking the deadlock against Latvia.

Reece James &apos;surprised&apos; his free-kick hit the back of the net as England right-back ends &apos;frustrating two years&apos; with first ever goal for Three Lions