Nicolas Jackson was one of the best players on the pitch as Senegal were brave against France, but ultimately suffered defeat – and Wayne Rooney has had his say on his situation at Chelsea.
In one of the biggest games of the World Cup so far, the 2022 finalists took on a Senegal side boasting plenty of talent, including former Chelsea stars Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly in defence.
Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap, which one are you keeping? Tell us who and why!
Senegal shaded the first half, coming close through Jackson while Ismaila Sarr was guilty of missing a sitter. But France improved in the second 45, and Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal of the competition.
Bradley Barcola got a second and while Senegal looked to have got themselves back into the game with an injury-time effort through Ibrahim Mbaye, Mbappe then went and scored a rocket from 25 yards.
Jackson was impressive up against his Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano and Arsenal’s William Saliba, but unfortunately, to no avail. For onlooking suitors though, his display will have certainly caught the eye.
Rooney thinks World Cup is an audition for Chelsea’s Jackson
Bayern never had any intention of signing Jackson on a permanent basis, and he will now return to West London with his future in doubt. There have been calls for Chelsea to keep Jackson going into 2026-27.
There is a belief that, given Jackson can play on the left, it helps his Chelsea chances. Paul Merson thinks Cole Palmer’s form has dipped due to Jackson’s absence. Now, Wayne Rooney has now had his say.
Speaking ahead of France’s 3-1 win on BBC Sport, Rooney said: “I really like him. His first two seasons, he scored 30 goals. Then Enzo Maresca comes in, didn’t fancy him and he goes on loan to Bayern Munich.
“Behind Harry Kane, he was never going to get much game time. It feels like an audition for him tonight and at this World Cup. Does Xabi Alonso want him back at Chelsea? Does Bayern want to take him?
“He has a point to prove. I hope he does really well at this World Cup, because when I’ve watched him, his attitude has been excellent. His goals and assists in terms of numbers are very good. A lot to play for.”
Which clubs want Jackson, and what is Chelsea’s stance?
Despite being back-up to Kane, Jackson enjoyed a solid season at Bayern Munich and returns to Chelsea a Bundesliga champion. So, what next? If it isn’t Chelsea, there are plenty of clubs showing interest.
Are you taking Nicolas Jackson back at Chelsea in the summer? Is he better than what we’ve got?
Fenerbahce, Juventus, Milan and Al Ahli are all interested in signing the Senegal striker. It is not clear what Chelsea are going to do with Jackson this summer, but Jackson is happy to return and work with Alonso.
Ultimately, Jackson has plenty of time left on his Chelsea contract. The Blues do need cash to sell players having missed out on Europe, but Jackson might save them some money, if Chelsea choose to trust him.
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