Loftus-Cheek Returns to England Squad After Six Years Away
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has just made headlines again, and for good reason. The 29-year-old midfielder, now playing his football in Italy with AC Milan, has been handed a recall to the England squad—something that hasn’t happened in six long years. His inclusion came about in unexpected circumstances, after Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton picked up an adductor injury during Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. Though the Football Association hasn’t yet officially confirmed Wharton’s withdrawal, Palace boss Oliver Glasner made it clear that Wharton would not be fit enough to join up with England. That opened the door for Loftus-Cheek.
For fans who have followed his journey, this is a comeback story that almost feels overdue. Loftus-Cheek has already represented England 10 times but hasn’t actually played for the Three Lions since November 2018. Back then, he came off the bench in a friendly against the United States. He was called into the squad in early 2019 as well but had to withdraw due to injury, and since then, his international career appeared to stall.
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What makes this call-up even more interesting is that England manager Thomas Tuchel knows Loftus-Cheek well. The two worked together at Chelsea, where Tuchel gave him plenty of opportunities before the midfielder eventually moved on. Loftus-Cheek left Stamford Bridge not long after Tuchel himself departed, heading to Milan in the summer of 2023 on a four-year deal. Since joining the Serie A side, he has racked up 70 appearances and scored 11 goals. He’s also started this season strongly, even getting on the scoresheet in Milan’s recent win over Lecce.
Now, with England preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Andorra at home on September 6 and Serbia away three days later, Loftus-Cheek has a real chance to re-establish himself on the international stage. It’s a big opportunity, not just because of the timing, but also because the squad is missing some familiar names due to injuries. Tuchel has been forced to shake things up, handing call-ups to younger players like Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson, while some established stars—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold—find themselves left out.
For Loftus-Cheek, though, this moment will feel particularly sweet. After years of ups and downs, injuries, and questions over whether he would ever fulfill his early promise, he’s been given another chance to wear the England shirt. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his presence alone is a reminder of how careers in football can take unexpected turns. And for England fans, there’s genuine curiosity: can Ruben Loftus-Cheek finally show on the international stage what he’s been delivering in Milan?
This is not just a squad update—it’s the story of a player who refused to fade away and has now been rewarded with another shot at the biggest stage.
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