WATCH: Tuchel sets Maresca up for criticism after Reece James claim

England manager Thomas Tuchel has entered the debate over Reece James's best position, disagreeing with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's recent tactical choices. 

Maresca has deployed James in midfield, a decision that Tuchel has publicly questioned after England’s victory over Latvia.   

Tuchel acknowledged James's technical ability but argued that his qualities are best suited to the right-back role, where he excelled under the German during his time at Chelsea. 

He suggested that James could be used in a hybrid role in attacking matches, drifting into midfield at times, but that his primary position should remain at right-back.

"If you play a dominant match like today, he can be in the last 20 minutes a hybrid midfielder where he comes from the left or right full-back position and helps in midfield to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball to accelerate with his passes, to play chip balls, to switch sides,” said the Three Lions boss.

"He's very confident. If it's an open game and there are a lot of transitions through midfield, I'm not so sure if it would suit him perfectly.

"There cannot be any doubt about Reece's quality in itself. It's the highest level. We have been in close contact in the last few weeks and were sure that he trained for weeks. When he didn't play it was the choice of the club to protect him. We knew he was in good shape."

Tuchel's comments follow similar sentiments expressed by former Chelsea captain John Terry, who has also publicly stated his belief that James should be playing at right-back. 

James himself has said that he has no preference and is happy to play wherever he is needed.

James returns to club Chelsea after international duty with England. Maresca’s men return to top-flight action after the international break, with Tottenham Hotspur visiting Stamford Bridge on April 3.