Chelsea fullback Reece James has played down comparisons with former England captain David Beckham.

James, having just penned a new five-year contract, has been likened to Beckham in his crossing ability.

But he told chelseafc.com, "David Beckham is a legend and probably one of the best crossers of the ball there has been in world football. To be mentioned in the same sentence as his crossing is very good for me but he did it for many years and I have to respect what he did. I have only done it for a few games. A lot of people have said about it but I need to maintain it and keep on improving.

"I have always been quite good at passing when I have been on the ball and crossing is not too different from passing, and if you are playing in a position where crossing is a main key area of the game it is important, and the more I do it, the better I am going to get. Growing up and being stronger helps with crossing well, and learning different things and when to play it."