England star Reece James delivers credit for World Cup success ahead of Argentina clash

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Reece James wants England to live in the moment - then finally enjoy what they have achieved this time next week.

The Chelsea captain, who made his long-awaited return from the bench against Norway in Miami following a recent hamstring strain, is now relishing the chance to go the distance at this World Cup.

So much so, he's yet to fully process the array of memories Thomas Tuchel's squad have already created at this unforgettable tournament.

James said ahead of tomorrow's blockbuster semi-final showdown with Argentina in Atlanta: "It’s hard to [take it all in]. We’re in a bubble, trying to complete our mission. It’s hard to see the outside. We’re happy we’re making everyone at home proud.

"This is what dreams are made of. Everyone as a little boy dreamt of playing and winning a World Cup. We’re against one of the best nations in the semi-final."

The 26-year-old didn't even get the chance to soak in Jude Bellingham's extra-time winner in Florida. The history between England and current World Cup holders Argentina needs no introduction.

Historically, the Three Lions have a commendable record against their South American counterparts, losing just three of their 14 previous meetings.

James wants to champion the old cliche: play the game and not the occasion. He added when asked if he's caught up in spectacle: "Difficult question. It comes with experience.

"The higher stakes the game is usually the more pressure. We’ve been doing it for 20 years, the fundamentals are the same but the prize is slightly different."

It's been 60 long painful years since England lifted their only World Cup. But both the men and women sides have reached the semi-finals in nine of the past 10 international tournaments.

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James feels well equipped to succeed with England, partially due to the ever-improving quality of the Premier League .

He continued: "I think it starts with the Premier League. It's the best league in the world for me and I’m sure many fans. It’s the highest level. A lot of the good quality players are English. It shows how much and how far English football has come in recent years. We’re [knocking at] the door, in and around it, at the latter stages of tournaments when it is crunch time."

James missed three successive victories over Panama , DR Congo and Mexico are experiencing hamstring discomfort post-Ghana.

After flourishing from both central midfield and right-back, he feels well-positioned to help England by any means necessary as they look to reach Sunday's final.

He confessed: "It’s good to be back out there with the boys. Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and am happy to be back out there."