AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly earned a surprising late call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
The former Chelsea midfielder’s recall to the national team comes after Adam Wharton picked up an abductor injury in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, according to The Athletic.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner hinted that Wharton, who has one England appearance to his name, may have to withdraw.
The FA are however yet to confirm whether or not the Eagles midfielder has pulled out.
Loftus-Cheek, now 29, last played for England in 2018 in a friendly against the United States and has not been included in a squad for more than six years.
He’s currently playing in the Serie A for AC Milan after signing for the club from Chelsea in 2023. After failing to register a single goal in any competition last term, the attacking midfielder netted his first of the season last weekend in a 2-0 away win at Lecce.
AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly earned a surprising call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad
He is likely to be replacing Adam Wharton, who suffered a knock while playing for Crystal Palace
Notable omissions from Thomas Tuchel’s squad include Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Loftus-Cheek has beaten a host of competition in midfield areas to a place in the squad, including Conor Gallagher, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and most notably Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Though usually deployed as a right-back in club football, Alexander-Arnold has featured in the centre of the park for England in major tournaments for previous manager Gareth Southgate.
He’s however been overlooked by Tuchel for this squad, as has Jack Grealish. The Three Lions boss explained his decision to leave the pair out in a press conference last week.
‘There is no-doubt I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack, of their talent and personalities, they will always be big players and in the mix to be called up,’ the German said.
‘I know both are desperate to come back, but for this camp we decided on Reece [James] and Tino [Livramento], and on Jack’s position, [Marcus] Rashy, Anthony [Gordon] and Ebz [Eze].
‘The competition is up. They will stay in the mix. And from there we go. They can have a bit more rhythm. Jack is starting again now. And Trent the same, after a change of club, new country, it takes a bit of time to settle and find his rhythm.’
Tuchel’s men face Andorra at Wembley on Saturday before travelling to Serbia on Tuesday in two World Cup Qualifiers.
England currently sit top of their qualifying group having won six and lost one of their fixtures.
