SAMI MOKBEL: Now England boss Southgate is sweating on fitness of his right-hand man James

Back in England, Gareth Southgate experienced a sinking feeling that became all too familiar when Reece James stumbled here in the San Siro. First Kyle Walker, now this.

The Chelsea fullback added to his growing repertoire of impressive performances before limping in the 60th minute with what appeared to be a knee injury.

How Southgate will hope for good news when English medics check James’ condition on Wednesday morning, although the fact that the defender was on the pitch applauding the away supporters after the final whistle should be taken positively.

Because with or without Walker, an English basic team without James at the moment seems inscrutable.

With less than five weeks before the Three Lions kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran, there’s every possibility Southgate sees it the same way. At least you would hope so.

Walker’s importance to England is beyond dispute; one of the best right-sided defenders in European football and a mainstay of Southgate’s successful reign.

James has long been seen as the heir to Walker’s throne, but we’ve now moved beyond that.

Injury permitting, this is James’ time; Whether Walker recovers from a groin injury in time to be selected for Qatar should be irrelevant.

That’s no disdain for Trent Alexander-Arnold who, despite his current difficulties, has his best days in an England shirt ahead of him.

But there just has to be a spot on the team for James at the World Cup, no matter what system Southgate uses during the tournament. Southgate will pray he is fit.

Here at the San Siro, he patrolled the right side of the Chelsea squad with authority and conviction – not necessarily the easiest to perform in a historic venue like this.

It was like he owned it. By no means in an arrogant way; his work ethic and willingness to sacrifice are integral to why James is heralded as one of the best all-around young footballers in the world.

His inner circle, which included father Nigel and lawyer Udo Onwere – himself a former footballer – were key to James’ down-to-earth approach.

But it’s his natural quality in possession, his ability to pick the right pass that really sets him apart.

In the 19th minute, James scanned his radar and executed. The result: a penalty from Chelsea and AC Milan was reduced to 10 men.

Chaos all from a poetic blow of James’ right boot.

His club manager Graham Potter backed him to become a Chelsea legend last week after another brilliant display in the home game against the Rossoneri.

Southgate will be desperate that James is not cruelly deprived of the opportunity to make himself an England legend.