England start their European Under-21 Championship campaign against France tonight in Cesena.

A large contingent of Chelsea youngsters are looking to help England end a long wait for glory in this year’s UEFA Under-21 Championship in Italy and San Marino.

The Young Lions, won back-to-back tournaments in 1982 and 1984 when the final was played over two legs but the years since have brought frustration for the Young Lions, who lost to Germany in the 2009 final and were beaten on penalties by the same side in the semi-finals in Poland two years ago.

While Callum Hudson-Odoi is unable to play after suffering an untimely injury late in the season, five other talented Blues are in Aidy Boothroyd’s side, seeking to claim the title for England for the first time in 35 years.

GK Angus Gunn Southampton
GK Dean Henderson Sheffield United
GK Freddie Woodman Newcastle United
DF Jake Clarke-Salter Chelsea
DF Jay Dasilva Chelsea
DF Lloyd Kelly Bristol City
DF Jonjoe Kenny Everton
DF Ezri Konsa Brentford DF Fikayo Tomori Chelsea
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka Crystal Palace
MF Harvey Barnes Leicester City
MF Hamza Choudhury Leicester City
MF Kieran Dowell Sheffield United
MF Phil Foden Manchester City
MF Morgan Gibbs-White Wolverhampton Wanderers
MF James Maddison Leicester City
MF Mason Mount Chelsea
MF Ryan Sessegnon Fulham
FW Tammy Abraham Chelsea
FW Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton
FW Demarai Gray Leicester City
FW Reiss Nelson 1899 Hoffenheim
FW Dominic Solanke AFC Bournemouth

Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Fresh reports have emerged in England as to why Chelsea are unwilling to accept Willian’s contarct demands as negotiations continue.

The Brazil international is in talks with the Stamford Bridge club over contract renewal following reports they have rejected £35million bids from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the winger.

Willian, who turns 31 in August, has just 12 months left on his current deal and, according to Evening Standard, wants a two-year extension, which is what David Luiz was given last month.

However, there is a significant difference between the two situations as Luiz’s contract was running out this summer and was about to leave for free.

Chelsea are only prepared to offer Willian another year on top of what he has left on his agreement at this stage.

But with the Blues facing a two-window transfer ban, Chelsea are under pressure to offer fresh terms and a compromise should be reached.