Chelsea fullback Reece James is convinced he can be fit for England's World Cup campaign.

The London Evening Standard says James will urge Gareth Southgate to pick him in the England squad for the World Cup even if he is likely to miss the start of the tournament.

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.

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.