Chelsea’s double-winners will look to continue their successful season at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. With John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole named in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man squad, Chelsea’s players have 266 caps between them. Only London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have more current England internationals.

However, the club has not always been so well-represented at international level. Indeed, some of Chelsea’s fans might say club legends such as Peter Osgood and Dennis Wise were unlucky not to make more appearances at international level.  After winning The FA Cup with Chelsea, Osgood was named in Alf Ramsey’s squad for the 1970 World Cup, making just two substitute appearances. ’Ossie made 279 times while at Stamford Bridge, scoring 103 goals, and is remembered fondly by fans for his gregarious nature as well as his ability.

John Terry and Frank Lampard will try to avoid the bad luck endured by their Chelsea predecessor Peter Bonetti. A late replacement for Gordon Banks for the 1970 quarter-final against West Germany, the Chelsea stopper had to bear the brunt of the finger-pointing after England famously ceded a two-goal lead, losing the match 3-2. Such events tend to provoke some outlandish claims and some have argued since that England’s unanticipated exit was a decisive factor in Howard Wilson’s defeat in the general election of that year.

Frank Lampard’s prolific form at club level, which has seen him score more than 20 goals in his last 5 seasons, has a set a high bar against which his England form is now judged. The Blues midfielder was the third highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, netting 22 goals. His partnership in midfield with Steven Gerrard is something Fabio Capello has helped develop and both players will be seeking to make significant contributions to the team’s success at the World Cup.

Sitting behind the midfield, the partnership of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will be an important factor in South Africa. Former captain Terry will provide his central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand with the sort of experience and reliability that will be vital if England are to progress through the knock-out stages.

The importance of Chelsea players to England’s World Cup campaign is not only a measure of their ability but also of the great success the club has enjoyed in both domestic and European competition in the Abramovich era.

 

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