Chelsea Players in FIFA World Cup Action: A Wednesday Update

On day six of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, there was not as much action for Chelsea players as on other days, but there is still enough to update you all on. Let’s take a look at their fortunes or otherwise. 

To begin, Pedro Neto and Portugal took on unfancied DR Congo over in Group J. The Chelsea winger was named in the starting XI by manager Roberto Martinez, starting on the left hand side of a 433 formation.

It was the dream start for Portugal and Neto. After just six minutes, his inviting cross into the box was nodded in by Joao Neves, despite being just 5’9. Some really good wing play from the 25-year old, it really has to be said.

However, that was as good as it got in the end. That goal would be their only shot on target of the entire game, and they only had one more in the next 62 minutes. In that time, DR Congo equalised, and with a lot of ease, held on for a famous draw. If anyone was going to grab a winner it was going to be them.

As for Neto himself, he played 71 minutes, before being replaced by Rafael Leao. He registered 54 touches of the ball, 2/4 accurate crosses and completed 39/41 passes. A decent day at the office. Next up for Portugal and the Chelsea winger is an absolutely huge game against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on Tuesday at 18:00 BST.

Meanwhile, Reece James and England finally got their tournament underway in Dallas. As expected, he was named in the starting XI by former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel. Trevoh Chalobah, who was drafted in to replace fellow Cobham graduate Tino Livramento, was not yet named in the squad but should be for match day two.

After the break, England were very good, and created a bucketful of chances. They got their rewards with goals at the start and end of the half to win 4-2. James actually moved into the midfield with ten minutes to go when nominal full back Djed Spence replaced Jude Bellingham. Former Blue Mateo Kovacic came on for Croatia.

Next up for The Three Lions and Chelsea’s skipper is a clash with Ghana on Tuesday at 21:00 BST. Anything other than a loss will basically be enough to send England to the round of 32. Even then, it should almost certainly be fine.