Even though Chelsea have recruited some of the world’s most exciting young players recently, it’s vital that there is still an emphasis on the youth system.
The Chelsea academy continues to help produce top talents every year. If you look at the current Blues first team, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are just some of the academy graduates in the squad.
Speaking last month, Josh Acheampong hailed Chelsea’s academy by explaining that it prepared him to make the jump into Enzo Maresca’s senior group last season.
- READ MORE: Chelsea fans react as their former youngster George McEachran helps Grimsby shock Manchester United
Chelsea rising star Shumaira Mheuka scores for England U19s
England’s Under-19s side kickstarted the first of three matches during September’s international break with a win against Ukraine.
The England U19s beat Ukraine’s U19s by a 2-0 scoreline in the friendly on Wednesday.
Chelsea youngster Shumaira Mheuka, who’s aged just 17, came off the bench against Ukraine to score his team’s second goal.
England U19 starting XI vs Ukraine: Jack Porter (Arsenal), Jaden Dixon (Stoke City), Samuel Amissah (Fulham), Trey Nyoni (Liverpool), Kian Noble (Manchester City), Sol Sidibe (PSV Eindhoven), Jeremy Monga (Leicester City), Harrison Armstrong (Preston North End, loan from Everton), Baylee Dipepa (Southampton), Divine Mukasa (Manchester City), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool).
Substitutes: Shumaira Mheuka (Chelsea), Jay Robinson (Southampton), Stephen Mfuni (Manchester City), Airidas Golambeckis (West Ham United), Christian McFarlane (Manchester City), Leo Shahar (Newcastle United), Callum Olusesi (Tottenham Hotspur), Joshua King (Fulham), Chris Rigg (Sunderland), Max Dowman (Arsenal).
Substitutes not used: Douglass Lukjanciks (Everton), Nicolas Michalski (Blackburn Rovers).
Next, Will Antwi’s Young Lions face Spain U21s (6 September) and Netherlands U19s (9 September) as part of a busy schedule before they return to their clubs.
Shumaira Mheuka has made a rapid start to 2025/26 season
We’re not too surprised to hear that Blues striker Mheuka has taken his club form to the international stage this week.
The teenage centre-forward has started the new campaign fantastically for Chelsea’s U21s side, proving he’s someone fans should be looking out for. He’s found the back of the net with ease in the opening weeks of the season.
| Competition | Match | Minutes played | Goals |
| Premier League 2 | Aston Villa U21s 1-2 Chelsea U21s | 90 | 0 |
| EFL Trophy | Shrewsbury 3-1 Chelsea U21s | 73 | 1 |
| Premier League 2 | Newcastle U21s 1-5 Chelsea U21s | 90 | 1 |
| Premier League 2 | Chelsea U21s 3-1 Manchester City U21 | 90 | 3 |
Mheuka, who’s been tipped for success by Romeo Lavia, has played five senior appearances in Chelsea colours. If he continues impressing for the U21s, we suspect it won’t be long before he’s back in a matchday squad under Maresca.
Last October, scouts thought Mheuka was ready for first-team football, even when he was just 16.
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