With the Premier League placed on hold whilst we contemplate the third international break of the 2017 / 2018 season, I have to admit, for once, I`m looking forward to the England fixtures against Brazil and Germany.
It`s not because, suddenly, I`ve fallen in love with the international scene (heaven forbid), but the influx of Chelsea youngsters into the squad Gareth Southgate has selected intrigues me.
Although Tammy Abraham and Reuben Loftus-Cheek are not part of Chelsea`s plans this season and have been sent off on loan to Swansea and Crystal Palace respectively, their careers have been honed by their time at Chelsea Football Club.
As we close in on the first match looms large on the horizon, Germany at Wembley, the squad has been hit by several players withdrawing, most notably from the midfield department with Fabien Delph, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Dele Alli all withdrawing through injury.
That fact would suggest that Reuben Loftus-Cheek stands a very good chance of making his international debut.
But the squad also has players in who interest me. Ryan Bertrand, since leaving Chelsea, has continued to flourish and is expected to see some action.
Also, following the withdrawals mentioned earlier, the former Chelsea player Jack Cork has been called up into the squad.
Cork, now at Burnley, was never quite given a chance to impress as a Chelsea youngster, sadly the case for so many, but his career has finally gotten the recognition it deserves.
Speaking about his call-up Cork has remarked to the media,
‘I’m really, really happy.
‘We’ve had a good start to the season and you’re probably not going to get many better opportunities to be in the England squad, because we are doing so well.
‘Four or five of the lads in the Burnley squad probably could have got in at the same time as me, so I feel lucky that I’ve been given the chance.’
I wonder what the chances are of Abraham, Loftus-Cheek, Bertrand and Cork all being on the pitch at the same time?
Slim I suppose, but I can but dream!
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