Leeds’ in-form winger has received the green light to take the risks he feels necessary to get Wales firing.
The 27-year-old is flying high at Elland Road, having become only the second Welshman after legendary centre-forward John Charles to reach a double-figure goal tally for the club in successive seasons.
And Wales head coach Bellamy has given him licence to thrill.
James said: “As a winger I want to be as direct as possible, not turning down things.
“Sometimes I look back at games and I’ve been quite safe.
“That might look good from the outside, keeping the ball, but ultimately I’m in the team to try to create things.
“That constant mindset of, ‘Can I go and get a goal or an assist?’ and believing it.
“And when you do give the ball away, the reaction is so important to want it again. I want it again.
“You might get tackled nine times out of 10, but it’s that 10th time when something will happen.
“It’s great to know the manager’s got my back on that. Sometimes, players or the crowd might get on at you but we have that team where everyone gets behind you and that comes from him.
“He wants me to get at players, get in behind and that suits me down to the ground.
“That’s what he was like as a player — he had that ruthless mentality. He believed he was going to win the game for the team. I love that because things may not go right but you always believe and fight to the last minute.
“To have that confidence, that person behind you — and the crow...
The 27-year-old is flying high at Elland Road, having become only the second Welshman after legendary centre-forward John Charles to reach a double-figure goal tally for the club in successive seasons.
And Wales head coach Bellamy has given him licence to thrill.
James said: “As a winger I want to be as direct as possible, not turning down things.
“Sometimes I look back at games and I’ve been quite safe.
“That might look good from the outside, keeping the ball, but ultimately I’m in the team to try to create things.
“That constant mindset of, ‘Can I go and get a goal or an assist?’ and believing it.
“And when you do give the ball away, the reaction is so important to want it again. I want it again.
“You might get tackled nine times out of 10, but it’s that 10th time when something will happen.
“It’s great to know the manager’s got my back on that. Sometimes, players or the crowd might get on at you but we have that team where everyone gets behind you and that comes from him.
“He wants me to get at players, get in behind and that suits me down to the ground.
“That’s what he was like as a player — he had that ruthless mentality. He believed he was going to win the game for the team. I love that because things may not go right but you always believe and fight to the last minute.
“To have that confidence, that person behind you — and the crow...
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Daily Express (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 20, 2025