These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

James continues to impress Southgate

England manager feels Reece James has set a brilliant example for young players hoping to get into the Three Lions squad. James has been called up for the national team again after impressive performances in the last international break.

Talking in his press conference and as reported by the Metro, Southgate was left impressed by James who took advantage of a late Raheem Sterling injury to join the national team.

‘We thought he did so well, not only in the matches with us last month but in the training session as well,’ said Southgate.

‘We knew there was a good player there. We weren’t certain about bringing him in at the start because we’ve got huge competition in that area of the pitch.

‘But it was a good opportunity to look at him and he grabbed that opportunity.’

James will be unavailable for selection in England’s Nations League games against Belgium and Iceland but Southgate is interested to see him in the friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

‘If you get the opportunity to be on the field for 10-15 minutes, do that well.’

‘And then you gain trust and more opportunities to show what you can do and I thought he grabbed that with both hands last time round.’

Blues backed for title

The Blues have been subject to plenty of praise after their performances over the last couple of weeks. Frank Lampard’s men have continued to show their stability both defensively and attacking wise.

TalkSport host Adrian Durham believes the squad have the reinforcements to push for the Premier League this season.

‘If you discount the penalty shoot-out, they have only lost one game this season and that was against Liverpool when they were comfortable at 0-0 and then Christensen got sent off and Liverpool cruised in the second half,’ he said.

‘So they haven’t had a real test, of 11 vs 11 with his best team, against one of the big boys. That’s when the big test will come for Chelsea.’

Talking on his show Drivetime, Durham further stated that Thiago Silva’s influence on the team has been a positive boost, comparing the Brazilian’s role to Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool because of his leadership qualities.

‘That West Brom result, for Chelsea, wasn’t that bad. It showed they have character.’

‘It also showed they’ve got goals in them. Silva has now settled in, if he stays fit and Mendy stays fit, I think they’ve got a very good chance of winning the title.’

Parker to give Loftus-Cheek a bigger role

Fulham boss Scott Parker is expecting Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play a bigger role for him this season.

Loftus-Cheek is on loan at newly-promoted Fulham but remained on the bench during their first win of the season against West Brom having started their two previous matches.

The Cottagers face West Ham this weekend and as reported by the Metro, Parker has vowed that Loftus-Cheek will have a full part to play in their season.

‘I’ve been very impressed with him, he has undoubted ability and quality,’ Parker said.

‘He’s missed a lot of football with injury but he’s very clear it’s a long season. I have no doubt he will have a vital role in what we do.’

When he features Loftus-Cheek will look to have an impact on Fulham like his friend and former Chelsea Academy team-mate Ola Aina had in their win against West Brom.

Loftus-Cheek went out on loan to try to get back to the levels of fitness and quality he reached in the 2018/19 season when he was very influential for Chelsea. In that campaign he got 10 goals and five assists in all competitions.