Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Drogba & Bond with Lewis Hamilton

• Released
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The Football Interview constitutes a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and show business join presenter Kelly Somers for candid and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview reveals the person beyond the player.

The Chelsea defender started practicing with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now club captain.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, claiming the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, things have not always gone smoothly, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I grew up in Mortlake, near Richmond - I'm sure more people will know that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

James: Not exactly, I began with, such as, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.

The presenter: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of all I knew in school. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I just loved playing football.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your childhood and growing up?

James: No, just because my recollection is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, going to watch my sibling play. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was significant in your household, wasn't it, because your dad was deeply engaged? He's a football coach too, right? Share with me a bit about that.

The athlete: So we were three children during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we used to train a lot with him.

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

James: Yes, I recall - the drills began early. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [the club and England forward Lauren James].

Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

The defender: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for Chelsea.

Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then eventually transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at right-back, and I hated it at the time.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Since I always wanted to play midfield. There was less involvement with the ball as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you started as an attacker - who served as your role model?

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he was the player I admired.

Kelly: Identify a pivotal moment in your career - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is the hardest and this represents probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in the capital - why did it work so effectively?

James: The first thing is that I played consistently, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and family and was forced to grow up fast. Playing on a consistent basis helped a lot.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has competed at elite standard for so long. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he joined and still does, presently he is departed [having left Chelsea in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he assist you?

James: It was small pieces of advice away from games. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

Reece: It was great to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the tournament [they were defeated in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could go back and experience again one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

James: If the outcome is going to be the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion