Fashion Passion, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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The Football Interview constitutes an innovative program where leading personalities from sports and show business join presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about football.

We'll explore mindset and drive, discussing defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. The Football Interview uncovers the person beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began practicing with the London club at six years old and - having progressed through the youth system and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include earning his England debut against Wales in 2020, winning the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

However, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over recent years.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to talk about his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that location. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Has it always been a flat white?

Reece: No, it started with, like, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

Kelly: Let's start by talking football. What significance does soccer hold to you?

Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically all I knew in school. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this tough to respond to because it represented a big part of your early years and growing up?

Reece: Not particularly, just because my memory is so bad. My earliest memory was probably, I don't know, attending matches of my brother compete. He is two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was big in your family, correct, because your dad was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: So we were three children growing up. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we used to train a lot with him.

The presenter: Can you recall a lot of those training periods? Because I read that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the yard.

James: Yes, I remember - the training began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for me and my sister [the club and national team forward his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a child, what was it called, and your memories?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was the local team in Kew. I think I was there for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for the professional club.

The host: You didn't start as a defender at first, were you? Explain about your positional journey and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left wing, right side, and later to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Since I consistently desired to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as frequently but one day everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

Kelly: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your role model?

James: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I was a supporter growing up and he represented the player I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Transitioning between youth and senior level is most challenging and this represents likely what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, of course. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? The location was miles away from everything you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I played week in week out, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I relocated from my companions and family and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a consistent basis helped significantly.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the biggest impact on your career?

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He is almost old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to help me from the minute he joined and continues to, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in that year].

The host: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

The presenter: It must have been nice to see him this summer [at the Club World Cup]?

Reece: It was wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team did well in the competition [they lost in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It's consistently positive to encounter him.

Kelly: Were you able to go back and replay one match in your professional history, what would you choose?

James: Assuming the result is remains the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].

The host: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about that night