Why finalists set the gold standard

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It's down to the quality of stars like Ronaldo, Torres, Drogba and Adebayor that a global TV audience will watch pictures beamed out of Moscow tomorrow when the English game presents, for one night only - Chelsea against Manchester United in the Champions League Final.

Whoever you support, the fact is both sides represent the cream of English football. The first all-English final generates a sense of pride and achievement and provides two great teams with the chance to show the world just how good we are at the nation's favourite sport.

Happily, Chelsea and United still employ significant numbers of English players, many of whom could play tomorrow.

This is important at this time because when the European Championship begins next month, no players from these shores will be involved. Some in the corridors of power within football smiled quietly on the night Steve McClaren's team lost 3-2 against Croatia because the success of the Premier League has bred resentment and jealousy.

The financial muscle of the top flight has led to an increase in the number of foreign players coming here. This, of course, has restricted chances for young English players and affected the quality of the national team.

But the progress of Chelsea and United in the Champions League will remind the rest of Europe of the traditional strengths of English football - and, more to the point, English footballers.

Ronaldo and Tevez give United excitement, spontaneity and a cutting edge, but it is the strength and passion of Ferdinand, Rooney and Scholes that provide the commitment and fighting spirit.

Tomorrow's match pits speed and cunning against power and discipline and we must hope it's an occasion worthy of the biggest event in English club football. Because, by reaching the final, Chelsea and United have set a new standard in Premier League achievement.