On 5 October 2020, James was called up for the first time to the senior team by manager Gareth Southgate following an injury to Raheem Sterling. He made his debut on 8 October at Wembley Stadium, coming on as a 58th-minute substitute for Kieran Trippier in a 3–0 win over Wales. He was sent off for dissent after the final whistle in his second start, against Denmark. James was named in the 26-man England squad for Euro 2020.