Graham Potter is thankful the decision regarding Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah’s World Cup chances with England are down to Gareth Southgate and not him.
Chalobah, 23, has become a regular for Chelsea in recent weeks under Potter following the lengthy absence of Wesley Fofana who is currently out with a knee injury.
He has played four Premier League games for Chelsea this term. Chelsea have kept clean sheets in their previous five games in all competitions and Chalobah has played a big part in their improved defensive record.
The central defender could give England boss Gareth Southgate a late decision to make ahead of next month’s World Cup in Qatar when he has to name his final 26-man squad.
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England have several injury doubts at the back and Chalobah will be eager to continue his fine form to put himself in contention of making the team and getting a seat on the plane.
Potter has been full of praise for the 23-year-old and labelled Chalobah a ‘soldier’ who has stepped up in recent weeks amid their injury problems.
But the Chelsea head coach is pleased the decision over his England call-up is not down to him directly, and instead up to Southgate who will make the final call.
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Ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United, Potter admitted: "Very impressed, from day one. He wasn't in the start for the first couple of games but acted perfectly. Very focused on his football and helping the team. He's a bit of a soldier.
"We've had some problems in terms of availability, but he's stood up and performing at a good level. Not surprising he gets that link (England), but that's thankfully not my problem. That's Gareth's (Southgate) decision to make."
Chalobah was asked about his chances but played it down and insisted he was focusing on his club football. However, if the call came, he would be ready to take the opportunity.
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"It’s always a kid’s dream to be called up but my focus is to give my all for the club and then see what happens," Chalobah said, via football.london, on playing for England.
"For me, the first thing was to play for Chelsea and get myself back in the team, and I’m doing that now. That’s the most important thing for me.
"There are a lot of games coming up and I want to play in every single game and we will see the team win. For me, it’s just club football for me now. I never focus on anything else. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be but Chelsea is my main priority at the moment."
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He concluded: "Yeah, if it comes (call-up), I’m ready for what’s ahead."
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Topics: Gareth Southgate, Chelsea, Graham Potter, Trevoh Chalobah, Football, England, Football World Cup
Matthew Debono