Essien backing for England

Michael Essien believes his Chelsea team-mates are good enough to inspire England to World Cup glory in Germany.

The Ghana international will be a key player for his country in the summer but it is England he believes have a greater chance of glory.

Essien has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in The Premiership, culminating in Chelsea's title success, and is of the opinion that his team-mates John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole may yet collect more silverware.

All three are likely to play key roles for Sven Goran Eriksson's side and Essien has backed the talented trio to prove their quality on the world stage.

''These are very important players to England,'' Essien told the Sunday Mail.

''JT (John Terry) is a rock. I've never seen a defender like him. He's a tough guy, scared of no one.

''For me, Frank is like a half-striker with his goals. Joe can win a game on his own with a little piece of magic.''
While praising his Stamford Bridge team-mates, Essien also spared a thought for Wayne Rooney, eager to see the Manchester United man in action in Germany.
''No one can quite tell what life for England will be like without Wayne Rooney because he is such an exceptional player,'' he added.
''When he was injured against us at Stamford Bridge, it was not only JT, Frank and Joe who were upset.
''I saw the pain in his face and I had to feel sad for him too.
''Who knows? He might still make it to play in the World Cup.''