Reece James’ decision to skip the international stage, according to England manager Gareth Southgate, is risky, and Aaron Ramsdale needs more playing time for Arsenal.

Gareth Southgate has expressed concerns about the fitness of Chelsea captain Reece James and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for next summer’s Euros.

James has just recently resumed playing club football following a protracted hamstring injury. He missed the World Cup due to a knee issue. There is just one more international break left before the tournament, according to Southgate, and right-back positions are currently highly competitive.

With just one more squad to choose from before the Euros, Southgate acknowledged that James’ decision to forego the European Championship qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia is risky. In addition, he mentioned that there is currently intense competition for right-back spots and that there is only one more international break before the tournament.

Raheem Sterling, a well-known player who was left out of the most recent England team, has been essential to Southgate’s goal from the beginning. In the six years since Southgate took over as England’s manager in 2016, only Harry Kane has seen more usage than Sterling, who has amassed 55 caps.

The Euro squad is anticipated to be significantly impacted by Southgate’s decision to leave out Sterling. His odds of making the Euros are low because Southgate has two England camps left before he must select his 23-man squad. Due to his lack of fitness and the fact that there is only one more camp before the tournament in Germany, Sterling was left off the team in June.