THE NOTEBOOK: Reece James has the right to be confident over his Euro 2024 place after impressive display for Chelsea and question marks remain over injured Levi Colwill… while Jack Grealish meets US rapper Jack Harlow

• Chelsea and Man City played out an enthralling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge 
• Reece James sent out a message ahead of Euro 2024 with impressive display 
• Why we should get excited about Cole Palmer – Listen here to It’s All Coming Up

Chelsea and Man City played out an enthralling encounter in west London on Sunday evening as the spoils were shared in pulsating 4-4 draw.

Thiago Silva had opened the scoring for the Blues before Erling Haaland equalised – and then Raheem Sterling put the home side ahead against his former club.

Manuel Akanji levelled the scores again on the brink of half time before Haaland secured his brace to make it 3-2 to Pep Guardiola’s men. Nicolas Jackson made it even stevens once again with his fourth goal in two games before Rodri’s deflected goal looked to have won it for the visitors.

But almost like it was written in the stars, former City boy Cole Palmer – who started his career at the Etihad – cooly slotted home a penalty in the last minutes of stoppage time to deliver a dagger into his old side.

Mail Sport’s SAMI MOKBEL was on hand to point out some things you might have missed from this entertaining thriller. 

Cole Palmer settled a pulsating 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Man City at Stamford Bridge

JAMES IS RIGHT TO BE CONFIDENT OVER EURO 2024 

Reece James is backing himself to make England’s Euro 2024 squad despite the hoo-ha over his non-selection last week.

The Chelsea captain wasn’t named in Gareth Southgate’s party on Thursday; the England head coach revealing his omission came after James asked not to be included in order to continue with his return to full fitness with Chelsea following his recent return to action after three months out.

Southgate went on to say there was a ‘risk’ attached to James’ decision given there is now only one further squad selection before the head coach picks his final 23 for the tournament.

But the 23-year-old, who missed the World Cup through injury, is understood to be confident he can still make Germany 2024 despite the uncertainty over his place.

Reece James has a reason to be confident over his Euro 2024 place after he starred for Chelsea

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He has reason to be, of course. When fit, he pushes England’s No 1 right-back Kyle Walker all the way.

Southgate, historically, has always favoured James ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side of England’s defence.

But the resurgence of Alexander-Arnold as an inverted right-back gives the Liverpool defender a string to his bow Southgate clearly admires.

Only time will tell if James’ faith is well-placed.

GREALISH MEETS HARLOW

It was a case of when Jack met Jack here at the Bridge. US rapper Jack Harlow was a high-profile special guest here in west London.

And ahead of kick-off, the Grammy award nominated musician was deep in conversation with namesake Jack Grealish, who was named on the City bench.

Harlow – snugly decked out in an eye-catching silver Stone Island winter coat – remained in the technical area as the players emerged from the tunnel, applauding them on before making his way to his seat positioned just behind the Chelsea dug out.

The way in which the American hip-hop star celebrated the quartet of Chelsea goals made it abundantly clear where his allegiances lie.

Man City winger Jack Grealish met his US rapper namesake Jack Harlow before kick-off

QUESTION MARKS OVER COLWILL AFTER INJURY BLOW

Levi Colwill’s surprise omission from this clash against Manchester City was due to an issue revolving around instability in his shoulder.

Mail Sport understands the England international complained of movement and irritation in his shoulder socket earlier this week.

It felt tender and irritable in the lead up to the game and while Blues medics do not view the injury as serious, it was enough for the club to withdraw him from the game against Pep Guardiola’s men.

It remains to be seen whether Colwill can continue his involvement with England ahead of Friday’s clash against Malta and the final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Montenegro on Monday week.

It is understood Gareth Southgate is keen to have a look at Colwill in his preferred position a centre-back during the forthcoming fixtures; the 20-year-old’s solitary England cap so arriving at left-back.

Colwill is hopeful he will be passed fit enough to play for England in the coming days but you’d imagine Chelsea – given the defender’s importance – will have an input.

It remains to be seen whether Colwill will be involved for England in the international break after being ruled out for Chelsea with a shoulder injury

GLUM FOFANA RAISES EYEBROWS IN CHELSEA PRESS CENTRE 

Wesley Fofana didn’t look particularly pleased about being in the Stamford Bridge press centre ahead of kick-off.

Dressed comfortably in an all-black Prada tracksuit, Fofana’s appearance certainly raised eyebrows among the assembled media.

He found it very hard to wear any sort of smile (insert journalist jibe here!).

That said, the central defender has had very little to smirk about recently.

The France international hasn’t played a single game this season after suffering a an ACL injury during pre-season. Similarly the £70million man’s first campaign at Chelsea was permitted to just 22 appearances due to another serious knee injury.

SILVA IS CHELSEA’S FINE WINE 

Aged 39 years and 51 days, Thiago Silva became the oldest goalscorer since Ryan Giggs notched for Manchester United versus QPR in February 2013 when he delicately glanced home Chelsea’s first equaliser. 

The Brazilian is only the fourth player to score a Premier League goal while aged 39 or older – along with Teddy Sheringham, Dean Windass and Giggs. Fine wine etc..

Thiago Silva became the fourth player to score a Premier League goal aged 39 or older

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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