Reece James believes birthday boy Billy Gilmour is one of the best emerging talents in the WORLD.
And his England team-mate Bukayo Saka has warned his colleagues that Scotland's humble-hero Kieran Tierney is fired-up to shine at Wembley and throughout the Euros.
Gilmour, who turns 20 tomorrow, has burst into the spotlight alongside James at Chelsea with performances which have put him into contention for a place in his side's opening clash against Czech Republic on Monday.
The duo made their full Stamford Bridge debuts together in a Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town in September 2019.
Less than two years on, both could play big roles at a major tournament and even face each other a week tonight when Steve Clarke ’s troops go to Wembley.
James insists his club-mate is destined to become one of the globe’s best.
He said: “Billy is one of the best young lads coming through at Chelsea and one of the best young lads coming through in the world as well.
“He’s a great lad and I think that his ability speaks for itself.
“The banter has not started yet with Billy, but once we get past the first Croatia game, then I’m sure it will start then.”
While Gilmour is fighting for a starting place, Tierney will be amongst the first names on the team sheet for Clarke in the Euros.
The former Celtic ace has enjoyed an outstanding season at Arsenal and now wants to take his spectacular form into a major tournament.
Saka says his Gunners colleague is raring to go for Wembley and said: “He’s been alright. He’s quite humble, but I know I can tell how much the game means to him and how much it means to his country.
“So, for sure, it’s not going to be an easy game.”
Just like Tierney, Saka has also won admirers at Arsenal this term and has been handed a fiery nickname of the Little Chilli by his captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He explained: “He said it in French. We’re doing one finishing drill one time in training and he kept staying it and I kept scoring, I was shooting with so much power and Auba was calling me little chilli in French.
“From then on he kept calling me it and then it became a thing. Now it’s a big thing, a lot of people call me it, and make it my nickname.
“Of course, he got me the nice chain he promised he would get me if we won the FA Cup. It’s really nice. I’m grateful. I love it. It’s unique.”
Saka, meanwhile, says former Celtic attacker Freddie Ljungberg has also played a big role in his development to England star.
He explained: “He has been really good with me. From 14, when he took over my development, he challenged me in a way other coaches did not.
“All the way to the Under-23s he was still pushing me and even in the first team he was still helping me. Even until today. He has had a big influence on my career.
“Because he was a winger himself he had a lot of experience himself and learning points to give me.
“He texted me the other day when I scored and wrote: Make sure you pack a few things that you would do at home and that will keep yourself entertained because we would have a lot of free time. He wanted to make sure I would keep happy.
“It is not just the football side, he is a man who helps me with my personal life as well. He is such a top guy.”
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