Although James had already been ruled out of this international window through injury, three of his team-mates started in Leeds United’s 2-1 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defender Joe Rodon and midfielder Ethan Ampadu played the whole game, although Leeds skipper Ampadu did endure a nervous moment when VAR took a long look at his challenge on Pedro Porro that in the end only merited a yellow card. Spurs winger Brennan Johnson only got a run-out for the eight minutes of added time, while defender Ben Davies was an unused substitute.
Although Darlow should be match-sharp, fellow stoppers Adam Davies (Sheffield United) and Tom King (Everton) did not play for their clubs.
Swansea City’s 3-1 home loss to Leicester City also contained plenty of Welsh interest. Centre-back Ben Cabango lasted the course for the Swans, with striker Liam Cullen getting 66 minutes. The Foxes started with Jordan James – who is on loan from Stade Rennais – and the midfielder came off with four minutes of normal time remaining with the win in the bag.
Centre-back Dylan Lawlor – who scored a goal – right-back Ronan Kpakio and midfielder Joel Colwill featured in Cardiff’s thrilling 4-3 win over Leyton Orient in League One, as did Rubin Colwill and Davies.
Centre-back Chris Mepham played the entirety of West Bromwich Albion’s 3-0 Championship defeat at Millwall.
In contrast, Jay Dasilva enjoyed his afternoon at left-back for Coventry City as they came away from Sheffield Wednesday with a handsome 5-0 win.
Sorba Thomas continues to impress for Stoke City, the left winger providing the assist for their goal in a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers. Striker Mark Harris got five minutes off the bench for Oxford United in their 2-1 loss at Watford, although that was more than Josh Sheehan, who remained on the bench in Bolton Wanderers’ 2-1 win over Peterborough United.
On Sunday, Neco Williams retained his berth at left-back for a Nottingham Forest side that went to Newcastle United in the Premier League, but left still searching for form under new boss Ange Postecoglou after a 2-0 defeat.
