After a positive and dominant performance against Everton on Friday evening, we picked up our first point of the 2024/25 season thanks to Reiss Russell-Denny's stoppage-time equaliser.

The next step is turning one point into three. And Under-21s assistant coach James Simmonds hopes the positives from our last Premier League 2 outing will be carried into this opening clash under the lights at Kingsmeadow.

'From a coaching perspective, the game against Everton was really positive,' Simmonds explains. 'Everything we worked on during training we saw during the fixture. That was incredibly positive to see.

'The only criticism we had was we didn't convert our chances as we dominated the game. It was a positive performance and hopefully, we can continue to build on that performance and only improve – which I am sure we will continue to do.

'That performance has given the team even more confidence without a doubt. That will be crucial when facing tonight's opponents.

'Our games programme is thick and fast; there is such a quick turnaround. However, I think that can be used to our advantage, and it’s important to see the positive light on that.

'For example, if we are doing well, it keeps the momentum flowing, and we can continue building that positive play throughout the week and only develop and progress as a team.'

As a former Chelsea player – and one who came through our Academy and played for the Under-21s – Simmonds understands the importance of the mentality the players must have to succeed and achieve the results we aim for, especially if the players want to transition to the senior team.

'Focus is crucial when the season is getting busy,' he says. 'Ahead of this game, we showed Enzo Maresca's post-match interview from the other week where he touched on the importance of standards.

'The boys need to understand as a club, we have high expectations and standards. If they are met, the players will be rewarded with playing time.

'At this level, we are striving for the boys to progress and mirror the men’s team as that is the destination they all want to go to. But they need to understand that they won’t get there unless the hard work and dedication have been put in.

'I am sure we will see the boys give their all at Kingsmeadow tonight and reflect on why they deserve to play for the club.'

The Premier League International Cup format enables the young Blues to test themselves against unfamiliar overseas opposition, something Simmonds believes aids the development of those within the Under-21s squad.

'We will prepare for this cup game like every other game, working on our performance and how we want to dominate the game from start to finish – on and off the ball.

'During the lead-up, we have been focusing on the players' individual needs so they are feeling the most confident and ready for the game as possible.

'It’s exciting for us, and I look forward to these international games as it’s a different challenge for the boys facing different opponents that we might not be familiar with.

'As a club, we are a big force in Europe, and that comes down to the Academy also. We want to do as well as we possibly can, and we are motivated to do so.'

Support the boys under the lights

Tickets remain available for this Wednesday evening's Premier League International Cup fixture against RB Leipzig at Kingsmeadow, which kicks off at 7pm.

Adults tickets are priced at £7 while tickets for juniors and seniors are available for £5.