Nigel James, father of Chelsea captain Reece and England forward Lauren, has shared insights into the rigorous upbringing that shaped his children's professional football careers, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mental fortitude, and making the right choices.
Reece James is currently pushing to be fit for England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. The right-back has been sidelined with his 10th hamstring injury since December 2020, a recurring issue that has tested his availability. He started England's first two group games against Croatia and Ghana but reported hamstring tightness, leading to scans that indicated he would miss at least the next two matches. This absence has led to scrutiny over team selections for the right-back position.
Nigel James employed unique methods to instill the necessary qualities in his children. One notable tactic involved staged car phone conversations with a friend, discussing fictional players facing challenges due to laziness or poor attitudes. This was designed to subtly convey the consequences of failing to maintain high standards and a positive demeanor. "They're little things that they picked up over the years," Nigel told Daily Mail Sport. "They heard the success which works and they heard the failures which don’t work. Then it’s down to choices. Choices that they had to make. Which path they wanted to go down."
He also stressed the importance of building strong relationships with managers. "Every manager that Reece and Lauren have played under, they’ve got really close to the manager, for that manager to feel they’re one of their special players. You’re showing your ability, but you’ve also got to have that something where someone likes you and your personality."
The "20p game" was another disciplinary tool. Nigel would set challenges for Reece, Joshua, and Lauren in their backyard or nearby fields, with the winner receiving 20 pence. This fostered a competitive spirit from a young age. Reece, in particular, showed an early inclination to save money, a trait Nigel believes contributed to his son's understanding of his career. "He loved to save. He loved new boots. In his spare time, he used to go in goal, and he used to want to buy the best goalie gloves. His passion, when he saved his money, was to get new goalie gloves and cricket bats. So from a very young age, he knew how to own a contract!"
Nigel, who has his own coaching academy, Nigel James Elite Coaching, and supports the national campaign Play Their Way, believes that while enjoyment is crucial, setting strong standards and discipline is equally important. "I want to set a discipline with it, because without having strong discipline, you’re going to create problems for yourself," he stated.
Reece was previously heartbroken to miss the last World Cup in Qatar due to a knee issue. While his current hamstring concern is a setback, his father has faith in his ability to overcome challenges. "He’s waited a long time for it," Nigel said of Reece and his World Cup aspirations, expressing hope that his son will be able to participate on Saturday. The potential for a demanding schedule if England progresses is noted, but Reece's willingness to play through discomfort is suspected.