Another Englishman? What's Going On ?!

When Claudio Ranieri arrived, he said he wanted a solid English spine. (For Chelsea, not him!) He purchased Lampard, Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole, brought through John Terry and is now after Scott Parker. All are still under 25, Lampard being the senior one.

The future is looking very good for English football, and Euro 2004 could be the time when it all comes together. And Chelsea could have 3 of the back four of England for the next 7 or so years, in Glen Johnson, John Terry and Wayne Bridge.

In a match during the 1999/2000 season at the Dell in Southampton, Chelsea played the first 87 minutes of the game without a single Englishman, until the introduction of Jody Morris. The starting eleven that day was:

De Goey Petrescu Thome Leboeuf Babayaro Ferrer Deschamps Poyet Di Matteo Ambrosetti Flo

Whereas now, you may find a Scot in goal, 3 Englishmen at the back, supported by another 2 or 3 in midfield with an Irishman on the wing!

And with Chelsea also being linked to the England manager, Owen, Beckham, etc who knows where it will all stop?!