Wilkins' Thoughts on the 'Chelsea crisis', Playing Abroad & England's Future

Ray Wilkins is one of British football's most celebrated figures. A successful player, coach and much-loved commentator, Wilkins played for some of the game's biggest teams including Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. More recently, it has been Wilkins' work at Chelsea as first team assistant coach under Luiz Felipe Scolari and then as assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti, which gained Wilkins plaudits as an excellent man manager for his close relationship with the Chelsea players. Wilkins is currently working as a co-commentator on Sky Sports.

Read Wilkins' views on the current situation at Chelsea, his thoughts on David Beckham's protracted move to Paris Saint-Germain and the next generation of English players.

How much progress have Chelsea made under Andre Villas-Boas?

Before the Arsenal defeat I thought the season was going relatively well for Chelsea. I fancied Chelsea to do very well against Arsenal, but unfortunately that was not the case. There has been a few players brought in, and the system has changed quite a lot. AVB wants his players to press higher up the pitch, and that can consequently leave space in behind. They are finding it very difficult to keep clean sheets at the moment which is very unfortunate, but I think they will be okay. Chelsea have a very high quality of player at the club, and once they kick in I can see no reason why they will not put in a very good showing.

It is very difficult to say whether there has been progress under Villas-Boas, because it has been tough times. It's a transitional period, and Villas-Boas will have his own ideas about where he wants the club to go, and regarding specific personnel. It is a transitional phase, so Chelsea must give him time.

Having played for Paris Saint-Germain, what do you make of stories linking David Beckham with the club and would you recommend it?

I have always recommended that players should travel around and enjoy their football. Every player should follow their heart and do what they want to do. If David Beckham played in France then it might be a nice little step for him at this stage in his career. Paris is a beautiful city and it could be just what he needs to follow his spells in Europe at Milan and Real Madrid. I've heard that he has enjoyed a wonderful time in the United States and, having won the title there this season he may feel it is time to move on.

Beckham is still in very good condition and his fitness is always exceptional. I would always say that as long as you enjoy playing and have good health there is no reason to retire. If his wife and children are happy to move to France, then it could be an ideal move. David will manage his future life in the best possible fashion.

How do you rate the next generation of midfielders (Rodwell, Jones, Cleverley)?

Tom Cleverley is the outstanding midfield talent. He was moving the ball very quickly with one-touch awareness, and he was doing exceptionally well before that nasty injury that he picked up. He has been the outstanding young midfield player this season. Rodwell is also a very talented young player who has the ability to perform box-to-box, while Jones will be a defender in the long term. I see him playing at centre half, but his versatility is always helpful. Of course, we should not forget Wilshere, who is an extremely talented young player.

Capello will need to get the balance right between the young talent and the experienced players within his squad next summer. Young players provide that energy in midfield particularly, and that almost gay abandon which is very nice to see. You cannot have too many young players, because every top international side needs experience too.

Which young players have the most potential - Sturridge, Welbeck, Walcott?

Danny Welbeck has looked exceptional this season, and he is certainly more consistent than either Sturridge or Walcott. Welbeck looks the one for me. It was another brilliant piece of management by Sir Alex to send the forward to Sunderland on loan, and that seems to have done him the world of good. He now looks to be a top, top player.

Would you take Rooney even if banned for the group stage?

Absolutely. I would take Wayne Rooney even if his ban was extended to four matches because of a frivolous appeal. It is hard to predict how long the ban will end up being, but I would take him regardless. Rooney is truly world class, and England cannot afford to not take him to Euro 2012. I would like to think that we can progress through from the group stages, and Rooney will be better for the freshness that he will have as a result of not playing in every game. So, of course, I would take him.

Rooney is not perceived as England's only world-class player abroad. Ashley Cole is most certainly world class, and Gerrard is also seen as that across Europe when he is fit. But Rooney is the one player that will be very much feared by other countries.

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