Sturridge: McEachran can rise to the top
Daniel Sturridge has no doubt fellow Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran will be an England star of the future - if he is allowed to develop at his own pace.
McEachran, 18, made his first-team debut in the Champions League win over Zilina in September - becoming the first player younger than the competition itself to make an appearance - and has not looked back since.
McEachran has played six times in the Premier League and earned rave reviews from England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce after making his full debut against Italy last month.
Sturridge, currently enjoying a successful loan period with Bolton, has seen McEachran's talents at close quarters on many occasions, and he is certain the teenager has what it takes.
"He's a great friend of mine and I can't talk highly enough of him in every aspect," said Sturridge. "But I don't want everyone to put too much pressure on him. He's only 18 and he needs to be given time to grow up and to gain experience.
"He's a fantastic player with unbelievable talent and he's going to be a hugely important player for Chelsea and England in the future.''
McEachran has positioned himself at the head of a pack emerging from the Chelsea youth team.
