Rio Ferdinand lauds Graham Potter for playing seven English players in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Milan

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has lauded Graham Potter for picking 'seven young English players' for Chelsea's impressive 3-0 win over AC Milan.

Reece James, Gareth Southgate's preferred right back, scored the Blues final goal and caused Milan problems all night through his link up play with Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling.

There was more English talent across the pitch, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ben Chilwell, Conor Gallagher, Trevor Chalobah, James, Mount and Sterling all getting on the pitch.

Potter's side came into the clash under pressure having lost their opening UCL game, but are now second in the group on goal difference and looking much more comfortable.

Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: 'There is a lot of pressure  as they haven’t started well. At home you have to get the points and they were even able to make subs.

'Potter has seven young English players on the pitch which bodes well and all the right buttons are being pressed. Momentum is key and there is something in the crowd right now. It's a step in the right direction.

'There is a connection between players and fans again. The manager or captain may have seen something. The gulf in class between Italian and English football, it goes in cycles.'

Joe Cole added: 'The number of English players with an English coach at a top side bodes well. That was so routine. To do that to them shows it’s the right direction.'

Chelsea will next play in the Champions League at the San Siro next week, where Milan will have to be a lot better than they were at Stamford Bridge if they are to get anything out of the game.