Chelsea down to final 8 players in action as Euros reach thrilling finish – Talk Chelsea

What do Ethan Ampadu, Michy Batshuayi, Mateo Kovacic, Billy Gilmour, Kurt Zouma, N’Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud, Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner all have in common?

Well, they all play for Chelsea of course. But there’s something else to add to the list now – they have all been eliminated from the European Championships.

The Blues started this tournament with 17 players in action, more than any other club. Now, they’re down to just 8 as we head into the quarter finals.

All of them have a genuine chance of winning it now, and if you register Vwin to have a bet on which Blue might end up lifting the trophy, you’re spoiled for choice.

Italy looked strong right out of the traps, and Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri will fancy their chances – if they can get past Michy Batshuayi’s Belgium in the pick of the quarter final matchups.

Either way, it means we’re guaranteed at least one Blue in the semis.

Then there’s Andreas Christensen, riding the emotional wave of Denmark’s success. You wouldn’t back against the Danes now, the neutrals favourite with the strongest narrative of all behind them.

Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta celebrated his first callup in years with two starts in a row and a vital goal in Spain’s round of 16 game against Croatia. He’s already got a Champions League in his back pocket, and now he’s got a chance to help Luis Enrique’s team to victory.

And let’s not forget Mason Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell for England. None of them were involved last night as the Three Lions beat Germany, but all of them will have a part to play if their country are to win the trophy. This Saturday’s game against Ukraine provides a great opportunity for them to get some more minutes if Gareth Southgate chooses to rotate a little. Mason Mount was a regular before his Covid quarantine, and if England switch back to a 4 at the back setup again, he stands to benefit.

The quarter final stage looks set to be an exciting one – if it’s half as good as the last week of games we’re in for a treat. Whatever happens, there will be Chelsea players in action in the semis, and very likely at least one in the final.

Between Belgium, Denmark, England, Italy and Spain, it seems certain at least one Blue will get a Champions League and a European Championship this season.