Chelsea players were training yesterday in the heavy rain at the club's base in Cobham, with England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce observing the session as he looks to improve his ties with clubs.

Pearce, who is also in the backroom staff of England boss Fabio Capello, told the club's official website: "I've been able to meet with John Terry, Frank Lampard and one or two others, and there are a lot of England players at this club, so it's been good all round for me."