For England fans, they can see the team are moving in the right direction.
The dust is now beginning to settle on the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, so thoughts may turn towards the next major international tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s side can now gear towards World Cup 2022, which starts in November next year due to the heat in Qatar.
England head into that tournament as runners-up at the Euros, as well as semi-finalists at the previous World Cup.
There was a three-man Chelsea contingent in England’s group this summer. First of all, Mason Mount was the Blues star to feature most and he’s key to Southgate’s plans. In addition, full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell were also part of the squad.
However, it’ll be interesting to see if over the course of nearly 1.5 seasons any more Chelsea players can force their way into the England fold.
Here is a look at five Blues individuals that may develop into England players in time for the World Cup in 2022:
Callum Hudson-Odoi
For Hudson-Odoi, he’s going to have to play out of his skin from now until the World Cup to get into the England squad.
However, it’s not inconceivable.
There is so much young attacking talent available to Southgate, but let’s not forget Hudson-Odoi has always been highly thought of in the England system.
He’s even earned three senior caps for his country already.
The 20-year-old winger needs to play regularly for his club, so his focus should be on impressing Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
There is still time for him though.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
This looks a long shot on paper.
He had an underwhelming 2020/21 season on loan with Fulham, but has now returned to Chelsea for pre-season.
The 25-year-old box-to-box midfielder does have quality within him though, so it’s all about unleashing it.
He has 10 England caps under his belt and was part of the squad at the previous World Cup.
Again, club form has to be a priority and an international call-up looks someway off. But never say never.
Tammy Abraham
England captain Harry Kane is the nailed-on striker for Southgate for the foreseeable future still, but the role of his understudy may be up for grabs.
Blues striker Abraham, 23, should have the confidence in himself that he can get back into the England group.
He’s scored once in six England caps, but his downfall last season was a lack of minutes.
The Athletic links Aston Villa with £40million-rated Abraham, but the price tag is an issue.
If Abraham can play regularly from now until next November, he’s got a chance.
Ross Barkley
Barkley, 27, is someone Southgate has liked in the past.
The attacking midfielder has six goals in 33 England caps, so it seems wrong to completely rule him out of ever returning.
But, he’s a long way off the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish. Additionally, the likes of James Maddison and Jesse Lingard will want to break into Southgate’s group as a creative playmaker.
Barkley has the individual ability and he’ll have to produce some mad form to convince England.
Marc Guehi
This is very much a wildcard pick.
21-year-old defender Guehi is still awaiting his Premier League debut, but he can take inspiration from the rise of Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips in recent times.
Blues centre-back Guehi was superb on loan at Swansea City last season, so it’s intriguing to see if he can force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Twitter account here.