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Football Insider

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The Surprise Return to the England Squad Explained

Thomas Tuchel has raised eyebrows by recalling a player that hadn't been a part of the Three Lions set-up since 2018. AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek finds himself back in the England squad after nearly seven years. What led to this unexpected turn of events and could he be a contender for the upcoming World Cup? Let's delve deeper into the situation.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The Surprise Return to the England Squad Explained

Thomas Tuchel has raised eyebrows by recalling a player that hadn't been a part of the Three Lions set-up since 2018AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek always planned to spend the international break in England. He just figured he'd be doing little else other than visiting family and friends.However, Loftus-Cheek is instead in a position to make his first appearance for his country since 2018, having been drafted into Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad due the injury-enforced withdrawal of Adam Wharton."You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff," Loftus-Cheek told reporters at an England press conference on Wednesday. "But I just completely forgot about it and was being a fan of the team instead."Loftus-Cheek wasn't the only one stunned by his recall, either. Indeed, even Milan fans are surprised.  So, what on earth is Loftus-Cheek doing back in the England set-up after a near seven-year absence? And does he now have a real shot at featuring at next summer's World Cup in North America? GOAL breaks down Tuchel's most shocking selection to date...

1

The Unexpected Recall

Ruben Loftus-Cheek's return to the England squad came as a surprise to many, including the player himself. Drafted in to replace the injured Adam Wharton, Loftus-Cheek is back in the national team setup after a long absence. The midfielder, who had been focusing on his club career at AC Milan, now has the opportunity to make a mark on the international stage once again.

2

The Forgotten Talent

Having last featured for England in 2018, Loftus-Cheek has flown somewhat under the radar in recent years. His recall highlights the potential that Thomas Tuchel sees in the midfielder, despite his lack of regular national team appearances in the past. Loftus-Cheek's versatility and technical ability make him a valuable addition to the squad, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.

3

World Cup Prospects

With the 2022 World Cup looming, Ruben Loftus-Cheek now has a chance to stake his claim for a spot in the England squad for the prestigious tournament. His versatility in midfield and ability to influence games could make him a valuable asset for manager Thomas Tuchel as he finalizes his squad for the competition in North America. Loftus-Cheek's unexpected return could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Three Lions.

4

Fan Reactions

The news of Ruben Loftus-Cheek's return to the England squad has generated mixed reactions among fans, with some surprised by the selection and others excited to see him back in national team colors. As Loftus-Cheek prepares to represent his country once again, supporters will be eager to see how he performs and whether he can make a significant impact on the team's fortunes.

Published on September 6, 2025