International: Two Chelsea players in Reece James and Raheem Sterling played for England against Italy
Two Chelsea stars in Reece James and Raheem Sterling started the game for England against Italy in their UEFA Nations League group-stage game on Friday night. (h/t England Football)
England went on to lose the game 1-0, courtesy of a Giacomo Raspadori goal in the 68th minute at the San Siro. His goal was enough to seal the three points for the Azzurri as the Three Lions were relegated from League A.
James started the game as a right wing-back, while Sterling started on the left-wing up front with Phil Foden and Harry Kane. Blues midfielder Jorginho, meanwhile, started for his country in the middle of the park.
Kane came the closest to finding an equaliser for his side but was denied twice in quick succession by Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Overall, it was a very poor performance by the national team.
Sterling had a very quiet night. Arsenal right-winger Bukayo Saka started in the left-wing back position behind the new Chelsea summer signing. It was really surprising to see Gareth Southgate start Saka there when the player usually plays on the right side.
The Blues right-back James was arguably one of the best players on the pitch for the Three Lions. He performed his defensive duties while also putting in dangerous balls into the box throughout the game.
England are yet to win a game in the Nations League this season. This will be very worrying for the English fans to see their side struggle to win a game. The Three Lions have also just scored once, while have gone on to concede seven.
Chelsea fans, meanwhile, will be happy to see their players perform so well. James and Sterling are more than favourites to travel with the squad for the World Cup in November. Mason Mount remained an unused sub, but will hope to start the game against Germany this Monday.
Elsewhere, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva started for Brazil in their 3-0 win over Ghana in a friendly, while Kai Havertz came off the bench which saw his side Germany lose 1-0 to Hungary in their UEFA Nations League group-stage game.
More Chelsea News:
- Sander Berge shuts down rumours linking him to Chelsea
- Richarlison reveals that Chelsea made an offer to sign him in the summer
- Stan Collymore suggested Chelsea to sign either Danny Ings or Ollie Watkins
The main thing our fans would want from this international break, however, would be for the players to return in peak condition and without injuries. The Blues are back in action on October 1 when we face