Which Chelsea players will help England succeed at Euro 2021?

Chelsea is the epicenter for young English talent in the Premier League, but which Blues will help Gareth Southgate’s international side succeed?

If the summer of 2020 had gone to plan, there is a chance the people of England would be celebrating a triumphant victory at the European Championships. However, the competition’s delay may work out perfectly for a Blues side full of young, homegrown talent. It is unlikely that many—if indeed any—of the Englishmen at the club would have featured in Gareth Southgate’s side this year, but with an extra year to impress and some new additions, Chelsea could play a crucial part in England’s tournament next summer. Here are some of the players that will likely feature:

Ben Chilwell

Let’s start with the latest addition to Frank Lampard’s British core, Ben Chilwell. Much has been written about the arrival of the former Leicester City fullback and most of it critical. However, like it or not, Chilwell is currently England’s starting left back and that doesn’t look like it’ll be changing anytime soon. Obviously, a lot can change in a season, but as it stands there are no real challengers to Chilwell’s spot in the Three Lions’ line-up.

Chilwell didn’t have the most sensational season, featuring just 27 times for the Foxes in the Premier League. However, a somewhat respectable six goal contributions and nine clean sheets show that he is more than capable of helping on both the attacking and defensive side of the game. With a season of Champions League and title-contending football to come, Chilwell should have a huge part to play next summer.

Mason Mount

One area of England’s line-up that has the most question marks around it is the centre midfield. Aside from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, it is difficult to predict who exactly Southgate will pick to play in the middle of the park. Luckily, there are plenty of young, exciting options and Mason Mount is surely one of them after making his senior international debut last September.

This past season, Mount amassed eight goals and six assists, stats that should only get better playing alongside the likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. If the young midfielder can continue his steady development, there is no reason to believe he won’t at least be in the squad next summer.

Tammy Abraham

At any other time, Abraham would likely be one of the first names in Southgate’s squad. But as it stands, the national side is blessed with an abundance of attacking talent. Captain Harry Kane will undoubtedly be the starting No. 9, while the likes of Danny Ings and Mason Greenwood will be vying for the backup striker role. An unenviable season awaits Abraham; one where he will be competing with Timo Werner for a place in the starting XI. Despite the competition, Abraham’s 18 goals in the 2019/20 season are nothing to be sniffed at. If he can replicate this form next season, with a little luck, he may still be able to squeeze into the Three Lions’ squad.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

As already alluded to, England’s centre midfield is a contentious area, which is why picking Loftus-Cheek may not be as outlandish as it first appears. RLC was cursed this season by injuries, only coming back into the fray after the June restart. That said, he has shown his quality time and time again and if he can stay fit next season, he should have more than enough time to impress.

England’s other choices for the midfield may offer more attacking prowess in the likes of Mount, Jack Grealish and James Maddison, but Loftus-Cheek can offer more defensive stability which will be crucial against the likes of Kylian Mbappe’s France and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland. For this reason, Loftus-Cheek’s inclusion isn’t so far-fetched after all.

Reece James

Another player burdened by an abundance of quality in his position is Reece James. Realistically, it would take a serious injury to either Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Trent Alexander-Arnold for James to find his way into the starting XI. Even if James can somehow pip either of the two brilliant young fullbacks to the post, he will then be contending with the more experienced players like Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker for the right back position.

Clearly, England has no shortage in this position and so in this case, it may be too soon for James to truly be considered. However, with a year to go lots can change with defensive stability and attacking targets headed for the Bridge, James may well have a season to remember. Further, James’ knack for being able to play in defensive midfield may also factor in to his potential selection.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

The final player on this list is perhaps the most unlikely to feature for the Three Lions. At one stage, Callum Hudson-Odoi seemed destined to be the next big thing; but like other players on this list, injuries have blighted his development. Four goals and seven assists in the 19/20 season is hardly awe-inspiring for a winger and with the impending arrival of Kai Havertz alongside the hot form of Christian Pulisic, he is likely to struggle for game time in the next campaign. Add in to this the players he will be competing with for a space in the national team; Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford—to name but a few—it seems highly unlike Hudson-Odoi will be getting near the England starting XI anytime soon.

Which players do you want to see feature for the England team? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!