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The Football Interview represents an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and entertainment join host Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and drive, covering defining moments, career highlights and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual behind the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started training with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against Wales in 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries affecting him over recent years.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will recognize that area. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, I began with, like, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this tough to respond to because it represented a big part of your early years and growing up?

Reece: No, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, I don't know, attending matches of my brother play. He's 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 football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.

Reece: So there was three of us during childhood. We were all football mad, and he naturally 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? Because I read that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted exercises with you in the back garden.

James: Yes, I remember - the drills began early. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and national team forward Lauren James].

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

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I was there for about a year. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

The host: And you weren't a defender at initially, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and its development...

James: I began as a striker, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left wing, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as frequently but one day everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

Kelly: You mentioned you started as a forward - who was your role model?

Reece: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan during youth and he was the player I looked up to.

The host: Identify a turning point in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the player you have become?

The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is most challenging and that is likely what many athletes transitioning upwards find challenging.

Kelly: You're referring to the club, naturally. What made did Wigan become the ideal team for you at the time? The location was distant from all you were familiar with in the capital - why did it work so well?

James: The first thing is that I featured week in week out, which proves beneficial. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and family and had to mature quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your professional journey?

Reece: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to help me from the moment he joined and continues to, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

Reece: These were small pieces of advice away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly nice to see him recently [during the tournament]?

The defender: It was wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his club did well in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It is always good to see him.

Kelly: If you could return and experience again a single game in your career, which would you pick?

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

Kelly: Other than winning, what was so special about that night