Joe

im of Chelseas six current England internationals, it's my second season at Stamford Bridge was one of major progress and genuine achievement.my first had seen a healthy run of games out wide but it remained unclear what my best position was or how my tricky ball-skills could be used to dangerous effect without harming the team's overall shape. A year later the answers were a lot more clear.A born Londoner, i watched Chelsea as a boy from the stands but it was to West Ham i went as a junior where the spotlight found me at a ridiculously early age. This was due in part to my showings for England youth but also had much to do with a reported interest from a Alex Ferguson.However I remained at Upton Park where my much awaited career began gently before it was halted altogether by a broken leg. On my return I progressed steadily to become a club regular and an occasional face for England.A determined attitude won me the West Ham captaincy in the 02/03 season but my spirit was not enough to prevent relegation making a transfer away inevitable for the good of my career and the Hammers' finances. Chelsea paid 6.6 million.I was part of the England squad for the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 and on my return from the latter I was given a run of games by Jose Mourinho as part of an attacking three. With the return to fitness of Damien Duff and Arjen Robben, my chances became more limited and mostly from the bench but I weighed in with some crucial, match-winning goals as Chelsea's championship season grew in momentum. I was named Premiership Player of the Month for March 2005 and drew special praise for the way I had matured from England manager Sven Goran Eriksson. At international level, I have become the favoured answer to the perennial left-side question.