The 23-year-old had recovered from the problem that meant he featured in only one of England’s two games prior to this weekend. He was selected in the back-three against Aston Villa but the defence was punctured twice without the team replying in a 2-0 defeat.

‘We had the chances to get a goal but we didn’t take our chances and we got punished,’ James observed.

‘It is very tough but we are working hard. It is just the small details that are not clicking at the moment and we have to go back to the drawing board and try to change this.’

Asked about the moment when Ben Chilwell had the ball in the net shortly before half-time but the goal was disallowed for a push, James had this to say:

‘When a team go 1-0 up and they are away from home, of course they are going to try to get every foul and decision going their way. Personally, I thought it was harsh but the referee is the referee.’