Josh McEachran: The Future Of Chelsea and England?

The prodigious 17-year-old has burst onto the scene recently, mostly out of necessity with the likes of Lampard and Benayoun both injured. But Ancelotti has proclaimed his faith in him, saying, "He can play in the first team now, no problem. Josh is very young but he shows fantastic ability"

Even rival club fans are purring at the prospect of the youngster. It is an exciting discovery, not just for Chelsea but for the nation.

But who is he really?

Joshua Mark McEachran was born in Oxford, and growing up there he took part in the Oxford Mail Boys League, playing for Garden City F.C. This is where he was spotted by a Chelsea scout.

His PE teacher remarked, "It was clear, even at a young age, that he was going to be a top footballer."

Visiting Chelsea a couple of days a week to start off with, he eventually rose in the ranks as a youth footballer and has recently won his first two trophies - the FA youth cup and the Under-17 European Championship with England.

After his impressive spell of three consecutive appearances for Chelsea, he has spoken of the player he wishes to emulate the most at Chelsea, "Chelsea say to me, 'Look at Frank Lampard'. I need to get in the box more and score more and that will help me as a player, so I will try that more this season." He added, "Being with the first team every day now, I feel more part of the group. John Terry always speaks to me and says 'Keep going, you are doing really well.'"

Many were left scratching their heads when Chelsea let four players who can play in midfield (Deco, Ballack, Belletti and Joe Cole) leave in the summer, despite the hot prospects from the academy. However, it appears that Ancelotti has made a very good decision with the technical ability and talent there for all to see in the likes of Kakuta and McEachran. It certainly looks like Chelsea have more than enough options in midfield.

With the English prospects in midfield, the same could be said of the future England team, with a midfield possibly consisting of Jack Rodwell, Jack WIlshere, and Josh McEachran.

Maybe the future isn't so bleak for English Football?