AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has admitted he no longer expects to play for England after seven years without the Three Lions, but now has his sights set on next summer’s World Cup.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek says his World Cup dreams helped keep him going during his seven-year absence from England.
AC Milan star Loftus-Cheek, 29, made his long-awaited return as a substitute against Wales, fueling his ambitions to play in America next summer. Loftus-Cheek has been out of the England squad cold since 2018, but was given a shock recall by manager Thomas Tuchel last month and finally got his chance as a substitute against Wembley on Thursday night.
Loftus-Cheek, who was part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad in 2018, has had a long road back, but injuries have been a major frustration in recent years. But former Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek, who plays under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, admits his goal of playing next summer has become a new goal.
read more: Thomas Tuchel insists England fans will be happy ahead of World Cupread more: England vs Wales player ratings, 8/10 star outperforms teammate for statement victory
“Well, I think it’s good to have goals. I mean, I always want a dream. I mean, it’s in my head, but right now it’s not in front of me.”
“I don’t know if I’m focused on that right now. I think I have to focus on what I’m doing at the club, but it’s still a long way to go.
“And I think first and foremost for me is to stay fit, stay healthy and continue to play well for the club. And if I can do that, I think I have a good chance, but who knows what will happen.”
Loftus-Cheek admitted it had been tough being away from England for so long before returning as a substitute for the final 21 minutes against Wales. But Loftus-Cheek has never given up on England and insists he was given new hope when Tuchel took over.
Loftus-Cheek added: “Yeah, it’s been a long time. A lot has happened in that time, starting with the injury of course. So I’ve kind of stopped expecting to play for England again after a long time away.”
“But I’m really happy to be back in the set-up and participate and get a few minutes on the pitch. It was good. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a strange feeling, but I’m happy.”
“Thomas Tuchel is a great manager and you can see we have worked hard in the last few games. We have been playing really well, so we want to kick on and keep it going.”
“As you always see, he’s a very intelligent coach who studies our opponents very well and gives us insight into what we’re going to face and how we’re going to play against the team and the personnel.
“He gives us a complete picture of what’s going to happen. That’s what you want from a coach. Before the game, we’re well prepared and ready to go into the game.”
“At Chelsea we shared some good times together and won trophies. It was good to be back in England with the manager. I know what he likes, what he wants and what he wants. So in that sense it’s nothing new for me. I’m happy to be playing under him again.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
