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IN the midst of another international break, you get the growing sense there is a crop of young stars coming through the England ranks who can become a dominant force one day.
Yes, we’ve heard this before with England, far too many times.

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England have a talented crop of youngsters on their hands – and Reece James is at the heart of it allCredit: Rex Features
Is Gareth Southgate the man to get the very best out of them? I don’t think so.
I do not doubt his credentials as a top man-manager, and he is also known for giving said youngsters a chance in the first team. Those are his positives.
But tactically for me, he is far too negative and is not making the right team selections for the players he has.

This England team needs to be an attacking force playing quick and energetic football, not lining up with seven defenders starting.
However, one thing Southgate has got going for him is he has opened his eyes to the raw talent that is Chelsea right-back Reece James.
I say this with my hand on my heart: James will be Chelsea and England captain during his career – and the mainstay right-back for many years to come.
James could be the man to lead this new age of top English talent in the national team – under the right manager.

Not only does he play the game with such ease and composure, he can play anywhere on the field and be an asset.

Reece James is a complete player and, still only 20, has a bright futureCredit: PA:Press Association

England have not had a player with the delivery that James offers from the right since the days of David Beckham – and James’ crosses are just as dangerous as old Golden Balls’.
The likes of Harry Kane will feast on his assists.
Still just 20 years old, James is already a physical monster, and he will still be growing.
He is almost impossible to out-muscle, and he keeps the ball better than any other full back I have seen.
He is quick, energetic, technically gifted, and has a superb right foot.

Reece James is England’s best crosses since David BeckhamCredit: AFP
But other than his clear talent, James is a natural born leader and motivator.
You see it now when he plays for Chelsea, he is constantly talking to those around him and playing with a real passion and love for the game.
There is a reason why many inside Stamford Bridge believe he is the future of the club and believe he can become as much of a legend the likes of current boss Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Ashley Cole.
He has that stature and the fans already absolutely adore him.
Being a loveable character does not mean anything if you can’t play football, but James can play.
Not only can he play, he has future world-class star written all over him.

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CHELSEA fans understandably have a love-hate relationship with transfers.
Since Roman Abrahmovich piled money into the club in 2003, the Blues have been one of the most active sides.

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Chelsea have a history of poor judgment in the transfer marketCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Premier League club’s need to be the best has seen them make some rash decisions, such as selling Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
Of course, Chelsea have signed some gems down the years, including Didier Drogba and N’Golo Kante.
But for every hit, there have been a few big misses.

Even what seems like an obviously smart move can backfire if you’re Chelsea.
In the Premier League era, they’ve signed a host of proven superstars, only to watch crumble in front of their very eyes.
We take a look at seven of the biggest stars who flopped under the pressure in West London…
FERNANDO TORRES

Fernando Torres was a shell of his former self at ChelseaCredit: Reuters
AFTER smashing 81 goals in just 142 games for Liverpool – and with a World Cup and European Championship medal under his belt – Chelsea moved for Torres in 2011.

The Blues splashed £50million to bring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge on deadline day in January – despite him having struggled with injuries in the months leading up to the move.
Torres now features in every conceivable ‘worst-ever transfers’ list after struggling mightily in London… although he did help the club win the Champions League in 2012.
The Spanish star scored just 20 goals in 110 Premier League games and – after loans to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid – was sold to the latter in 2016.
Torres retired in 2019 after two years at Japanese side Sagan Tosu.
ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO

Andriy Shevchenko struggled at Chelsea after years of dominance in ItalyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
IN May 2006, Chelsea fans were left in awe after signing then-AC Milan superstar Shevchenko for a £30.8m fee.
The Ukrainian had developed a reputation for being one of the world’s top strikers, scoring 172 times for Milan in just seven seasons.
But after moving to Chelsea, Shevchenko couldn’t hit a barn door with banjo, managing just NINE Premier League goals in 48 games.
After a failed loan spell back at the San Siro – scoring ZERO goals in 18 Serie A games – Shevchenko was sold to Dynamo Kiev in 2009, where he finished his career after three seasons.

GONZALO HIGUAIN

Higuain looked out of shape and out of form during his time in LondonCredit: Reuters
FORTUNATELY for Chelsea, this failed move was only a loan deal… otherwise they might have been lumbered with the flop for much longer.
Higuain arrived at Stamford Bridge midway through the 2018-19 season after he was shoved out of the Juventus starting XI following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.
The Argentine had broken the Serie A goals record in 2015-16, scoring 36 league goals in just 35 games at Napoli.
And he netted a further 40 across his next two season after moving to Juve.
But at Chelsea, Higuain managed just five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions, looking a shell of his former self.
After just eight goals at Juventus last season, Higuain was sold to David Beckham’s Inter Miami – where he has scored just ONCE in nine games.
It was a screamer, though – and you can watch it here…
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA

Kepa is the most-expensive goalkeeper in the world but certainly hasn’t played like itCredit: Reuters
THE Spanish stopper arrived at Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao as the most-expensive goalkeeper in history.
Liverpool had signed Alisson for a then-record £67m, only for the Blues to splash out £71.6m on Kepa weeks later.
But since arriving in 2018, Kepa has looked a shell of his LaLiga self, making error after error.
Last season, he was dropped for 39-year-old veteran Willy Caballero – with Frank Lampard signing Edouard Mendy as his permanent replacement this season.
His Chelsea career appears to be over, with the club even naming technical director Petr Cech in their squad as back-up.
On top of his poor form, Kepa also controversially refused to be substituted late in the 2019 Carabao Cup final so he could be between the sticks for the penalty shootout.
An irate Maurizio Sarri – then Chelsea boss – stormed down the tunnel only to be held back by Antonio Rudiger on his return to prevent a confrontation.
ALVARO MORATA

Morata cost £65m but paid back that fee with just 16 goalsCredit: AFP or licensors
IN July 2017, Chelesa were desperately hunting a new striker, with both Morata and Romelu Lukaku linked.
Lukaku moved to Manchester United for £75m, with Morata the ‘cheaper’ option for Chelsea at £65m.
Having starred at Juventus and Real Madrid – the Spaniard managed just 16 Premier League goals in 47 games.
Morata was then shipped off on an 18-month loan to Atletico Madrid, where his deal became permanent in the summer of 2020.
He was immediately loaned back to Juventus after Los Rojiblancos signed Luis Suarez.
Morata recently revealed he wants to retire at Getafe – for whom he spent one season as a youth player.
DECO

Deco never came close to replicating his Barcelona form in EnglandCredit: AFP
THE Portugal legend signed for Chelsea in 2008 after four years of sublime football at Barcelona.
Deco even came runner up in the 2004 Ballon d’Or race, behind Shevchenko.
But Deco failed to live up to his reputation in the Premier League, scoring five times in 43 games before being sold to Brazilian side Fluminese.
RICARDO QUARESMA

Quaresma struggled at Chelsea and Inter Milan but rediscovered his form at PortCredit: PA:Press Association
AFTER red-hot spells at Barcelona and Porto, Chelsea fans were excited after Quaresma arrived on loan midway through the 2008-09 season.
The winger had just been voted as the ‘worst player in Italy’ the season before while at Inter Milan.
And he didn’t fare much better at Chelsea – playing just four matches, while failing to score.
Quaresma was later sold to Besiktas by Inter, before being moved on again to Al-Ahli in the UAE.
The winger enjoyed a resurgence later in his career after returning to Porto and was even a part of Portugal’s 2018 World Cup squad – scoring a screamer against Iran.

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OLIVIER GIROUD is considering his future at Chelsea and could push for a January move away to help nail-down his spot in the France squad for the delayed European Championship.
The former Arsenal striker, 34, was linked with a move to Inter Milan in the summer but stayed in West London after a strong end to 2019-20.

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Giroud could force a January move away from Chelsea after slipping behind Abraham and WernerCredit: Reuters

Giroud wants to ensure he stays in the France squad for the EurosCredit: EPA
But after the arrival of Timo Werner, Giroud’s first-team appearances have been limited under Frank Lampard this season.
Giroud has featured in two EFL Cup games – against Barnsley and Tottenham – while playing just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season.
The Frenchman is now behind Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud is in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the upcoming games against Finland, Portugal and Sweden.
But football.london claim Giroud may force a move away from Chelsea in order to ensure he remains part of Deschamps’ plans for the Euros in 2021.
This time last year, the striker was linked with a January move away yet again.
Having failed to find a new home, Giroud stayed at Stamford Bridge and ended up playing a key role in the Blues securing a Champions League place for this season.

The France ace scored seven goals after lockdown – six in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Giroud went on to sign a one-year contract extension at Chelsea.
Come January 2021, Giroud will have just six months left on the deal.
That means he will be eligible to kick-off pre-contract negotiations with European clubs over a free move on July 1.
However, it’s expected Giroud would prefer to leave in January, to give himself six months to prove to Deschamps he deserves to be part of the France squad.

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HAKIM ZIYECH created more chances in Chelsea’s win over Sheffield United than any other player in a single Premier League game this season.
The Blues new-boy, 27, created SIX chances for his team-mates during the game at Stamford Bridge.

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Hakim Ziyech created a league-high six chances during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Sheffield UtdCredit: EPA

Hakim Ziyech laid on two assists during Chelsea’s win on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
Of those six chances set-up, two of those were assists as Chelsea came from behind to win 4-1 on Saturday.
No player in the top-flight this season has managed to create more than six chances in a single game.
Ziyech’s team-mate Reece James managed to create six chances in the 3-3 draw at West Brom.

Kevin De Bruyne also set-up six chances in the 3-1 win over Wolves, while Bruno Fernandes created half a dozen chances in the 4-1 win over Newcastle.
After the game, £36million man Ziyech admitted he’s ‘not afraid’ to pass the ball now he’s settled down in West London.
Ziyech claimed: “We played a good game. The first ten minutes were a little difficult.
“We started a bit sloppy but after 1-0 we controlled the game.

“We could have scored more goals but we played well again.

“I’m not afraid to give a pass. I feel comfortable here in the squad with all my team-mates.
“I’m really happy and I think that’s why I’ve started so well.”
Ziyech continued: “I always look at [my team-mates] when I play the ball.
“Usually eye contact is enough and you could see it worked well two times.”

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FRANK LAMPARD ‘has won the lottery’ having both Reece James and Ben Chilwell at Chelsea, according to Graeme Souness.
The Blues stormed from behind to beat Sheffield United 4-1 on Saturday, propelled by their marauding full-backs.

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Chelsea have ‘won the lottery’ with James and Chilwell both on their booksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Chilwell scored to give Chelsea the lead in their 4-1 win over Sheff Utd on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Both Chilwell, 23, and James, still only 20, have been in exceptional form this season – and are arguably England’s first-choice full-backs.
And Souness reckons Lampard has got it made having the pair in his squad – for now and the future – despite splashing £50m to bring Chilwell in from Leicester in the summer.
Souness told Sky Sports: “When you buy a player for a lot of money, all the focus is on him.

“Ben Chilwell, they spent £50million on a full-back and all the focus is on him.
“In Reece James, he’s a top player. Given his age, he’s going to get better and better.
“I’ve not talked about his strength, his pace, his delivery, and in terms of defending he looks like he’s got that already.
“So you can only see him getting better and better.

“I asked Ash [Ashley Cole] off-air ‘how strong is he?’

“There’s an incident if you see the third goal where it’s a free kick by Ziyech out by the right-hand side and Max Lowe comes in, fouls him…
“So it is a foul, and there’s a bit of a coming together and he just rag-dolls him, pushes him like a little boy.”
Souness continued by claiming James is the ‘finished article’ – while stating how important full-backs are in the modern game.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “If you’re playing against this Liverpool team one of the priorities would be trying to stop Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“The full-back in the modern game isn’t a defender first and foremost…
“It’s someone who can do a bit of defending but gets up the pitch and when he gets into the attacking third he can deliver on it.
“When you get someone who can defend then what a real bonus that is.
“I think Reece James is all of that. I think he’s got absolutely everything in his game.
“So for Chelsea it looks like they’ve won the lottery in the full-back positions.
“He looks like the finished article already at 20.”

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