With the Euros fast approaching this summer an unsurprisingly amount of Cobham graduates are potential shortlists for Southgates squad. Chelsea's academy have produced Premier League greats in the past but with modern tecnology and facilities changing by the season, what do the young Blues look like now?
Levi Colwill
The 21 year old has been in and out the Chelsea squad this season due to injury but has undoubtedbly great talent to cement his posistion in the first team. After having to spend two seaosons on loan at Huddersfield and Brighton to be deemed worthy of that spot, the Englishman faces some heavy competition when returning back from injury. Tall, comanding but composed, Levi has truely rare talents that can definitely benefit the England and Chelsea side. Although having missed the squad for the friendlies this time round, Levi should be fit and ready to go for Germany 2024.
Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher has impressed many this season as his leadership role at the Bridge as played a huge impact on his performances this season, therefore justifying him a place in the England 11. The 24 year old versatile, ball winning engine can pretty much do it all. Attack or defend, Gallagher has been one of the most reliable players at Chelsea for the past few seasons. With Conor potentially being in the forefront of Southgates midfield, the team could really benefit from his young legs.
Declan Rice
Combining all areas of London through his career so far, Rice has been one of the first names on the team sheet. Chelsea, West Ham and now Arsenal, the 25 year old started at Chelseas academy but was later released in 2013. The defensive midfielder tranferred to Arsenal last summer for a club recod fee of £100 million and has performed consistently well during his first six months. Gareth Southgate will almost be definately be packing Rice with him to Germany, as his technical talent, physical presence and work rate are amongst the best in le league.
Reece James
When fit, Reece James is second to none in his position. Riddled with various serious injuries within the past two to three years, James has a point to prove to all his coaches that he is relaible when his team are in need. Currently on the sicklist with a hamstring injury, he is eager to make up for lost time as Southgate 'hopes' he is ready to part for the Euros in the summer. A calm and collected defender with agression on stand by, the 24 year old is the captain of Chelsea which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about his current and possible future ( if he stops getting injured ).
Mason Mount
Despite kicking off his Manchester United career on the wrong foot Mount was one of the main starts to come out of Cobham in the last five years. After loan spells at Vitesse and Derby the Pourtsmouth born youngster enjoyed a deserbed breakthough during the transfer ban Frank Lampard season of 2019-20. Winning young player and player of the year for the Blues he was a bright spark in a dark time for Chelsea. A creative and clinical midfielder who is a favourite of Southgate could potentially be missing from the Euro squadas he has only made eight appearances for his new club with no goal involvements. However the 25 year old is having treatment on his calf and 'will not be rushed back' according to Ten Hag.
Chelsea and Cobham have had their fair share of England internationals and those are just a few to mention. Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham are also potentials for the Euro 2024 squad. Technological advancements and modern facilities available at Cobham allow for an effective diffusion of youth players to first team players. The amount of players shortlisted by England emphisises the vast investments Chelsea place into their future.
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