How do you look back at last season?

"It was brilliant, my best ever season without a doubt. We have achieved so much as a team and I am so happy to have played a part in it. To help Chelsea become champions of England for the first time in 50 years was a real honour.

"Looking back, this seasonhas been packed with highs for me. Getting my hands on the Premiership trophy after our final game at Stamford Bridge against Charlton was just an amazing feeling.

"And there have been loads more; winning the Carling Cup, which was my first ever major trophy, beating Barcelona in that epic game and then scoring my first ever goal in the Champions League against Bayern Munich."

Did you improve as a player last season?

"Yes, I would like to think so. There was a steady improvement from me. I am always working on my game, looking for that extra thing that will make me a better player.

"But I can get even better than this, I am sure of that. I won’t be taking my foot off the pedal just because I’ve won a couple of medals. No way. I am hoping to come back even better next season."

Has your style of play changed at all?

"It has had to because I’m playing in a different system. I was known for making a lot of runs with the ball, but if you notice now I am making a lot more runs without it.

"I am a lot more disciplined now in my approach to games. José has made us work hard at Chelsea, but look at how we’ve all reaped the benefits."

What has the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho done for you?

"It is very simple. He has given me a run in the side. That is the key to how I performed last season. I felt fit and strong in every game, I had my game legs on.

"I have to thank José for giving me my game legs. He has also given me the freedom to express myself on the pitch in a good system. My confidence has soared because I know I’m playing for a manager who trusts me."

What have been your favourite moments playing for England?

"Growing up at West Ham where you’re surrounded by the memories of the club’s three World Cup winners, Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst, makes you desperate to follow in their footsteps and play for England.

"That moment arrived for me when I made my debut as a substitute against Mexico at Pride Park in 2001.

"I was so proud when I ran on to the pitch. On a par with that was when I scored my first goal against Serbia and Montenegro at Leicester."

And what have been your favourite memories following England as a fan?

"I was lucky enough to live only a short train journey from Wembley as a kid, so I used to watch all of England’s games there. My ultimate hero was Gazza, I loved him to bits.

"He was the reason I wanted to become a footballer. He had absolutely everything to his game and I always thought it was an honour to sit in the stands and watch him perform."

Did you feel you made a real breakthrough for England in the recent victory over Northern Ireland?

"A lot of people said that in the aftermath of the game. I suppose I did okay. My aim was to keep it simple, and not to try anything too flash.

"I just had to be steady and prove I could do a job for England on the left side of midfield. I hope I did that. I certainly enjoyed myself and it was great to open the scoring.

"I think I reproduced my Chelsea form for England and showed what I was capable of. But do you know what? That doesn’t mean a thing now. It can change very quickly.

"Having two good games for England isn’t anything to shout about. You need to have 30 great performances under your belt before you can afford anything approaching a bad spell.

"I know that I am at the start of a very long road for England."