England: 5 Players Who Should Replace 100 Game Ashley Cole

4. Ryan Bertrand

Starting out with Gillingham at the age of 9 Ryan Bertrand caught the attention of Chelsea€™s scouts and transferred to their academy in July 2005 at the age of 15. Following a tribunal it was decided this transfer would cost Chelsea £125,000 subject to potential increases dependent upon Bertrand€™s progress. Bertrand€™s Chelsea career then consisted of loan spells with Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest with almost 150 appearances ensuring he gained a vast amount of first-team experience within the Football League. Throughout this time Bertrand also represented England at levels ranging from U17 to U21 and cementing his place as an integral part of Stuart Pierce€™s squad. July 2012 saw Bertrand€™s England U21 Manager Pierce also include him within the Team GB Football Squad for the London Olympics. Although they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage Bertrand€™s performances for Team GB throughout the competition did not go unnoticed by England Manager Roy Hodgson and he was subsequently included in the senior squad, going on to earn 2 caps to date. Remaining with Chelsea as Cole€™s understudy for the current season Bertrand is so far enjoying his most consistent run in the side, having made 23 appearances so far this term. Playing regular first-team football with the European Champions and having made over 180 senior appearances to date surely has to make Bertrand one to consider.
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An opinionated Geordie with a love of Football and Gaming.