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The Ben Jacobs Chelsea column

There were lots of positives for Chelsea players during the international break. One of the most notable was actually Romelu Lukaku, who scored a hat-trick in Belgium’s 3-0 win in Sweden. The treble just might help him get going at Inter, where he has only managed three Serie A goals. It was also important for Lukaku to get back to scoring ways for Belgium after those glorious spurned chances against Croatia at the World Cup, which cost his country a place in the knockout stage.

Lukaku desperately wants to stay at Inter and Chelsea are not planning next season with him in mind. But Inter still have some reservations, so Lukaku hitting a purple patch will clearly help all parties. Perhaps his Belgium hat-trick can get him going.

Elsewhere, Ben Chilwell made his first England start since 2021 in England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine. It was an efficient England victory, but Ukraine posed no real threat. I thought Chilwell was very solid on the ball and dynamic going forwards, plus he had a hand in the build up to Harry Kane’s opener.