Chelsea fullback Reece James remains confident being fit for England's World Cup campaign.

The right-back is in a race to prove his fitness after suffering a knee injury but he has told friends he is confident he will be on the plane to Qatar, says the London Evening Standard.

James was due to be in a knee brace for four weeks but he is slightly ahead of schedule and now using it less and less.

He was initially ruled out for eight weeks after he sustained a knee injury against AC Milan on October 11 which plunged his World Cup chances into doubt. But the 22-year-old has always been a quick healer and is doing everything to be fit.

James this week flew to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation alongside a member of the Chelsea medical department. He is predominantly working in the gym and pool, and Chelsea are sending ongoing reports to the FA about his fitness and knee stability.