Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, marking his return after a six-year absence. His inclusion follows impressive performances for AC Milan in Serie A. Jarell Quansah has also been called up. England, leading Group K, will host Andorra and then travel to face Serbia. Loftus-Cheek’s recall is a result of his strong form and provides a boost to England’s squad as they aim to secure World Cup qualification.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has earned a long-awaited recall to the England squad, bolstering Thomas Tuchel’s options for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The AC Milan midfielder's return marks the end of a six-year absence from the Three Lions setup, his last appearance dating back to November 2018. His inclusion comes as a replacement for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who suffered a groin injury during their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
In addition to Loftus-Cheek, Jarell Quansah has also received a call-up. The former Liverpool defender, now playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, was previously part of Tuchel’s squad for the March qualifiers against Albania and Latvia but is still awaiting his first senior cap. Quansah's inclusion provides further depth to the defensive options.
A #ThreeLions call-up for the first time in over six years.
Welcome back, @RLC! pic.twitter.com/TfJsvtJBuz
— England (@England) September 2, 2025
Loftus-Cheek's return to the England fold sees him reunited with Tuchel, under whom he played at Chelsea between 2021 and 2022 before his move to AC Milan two years ago. The midfielder has been a key figure for the Serie A giants, amassing 71 appearances across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and two assists. His impressive performances in Italy have clearly caught the eye of the England manager.
The 29-year-old Loftus-Cheek was on target in Milan’s recent 2-0 victory over Lecce, a result that marked Massimiliano Allegri's first league win since his return to the Rossoneri dugout. That match was also Loftus-Cheek’s 50th Serie A appearance, a milestone that underscores his growing influence in Italian football. Among English players, only Fikayo Tomori (131 appearances) has played more Serie A matches for Milan since 1994-95, highlighting the significant impact Loftus-Cheek has made at the club.
England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers see them host Andorra at Villa Park this Saturday, followed by a trip to face Serbia three days later. The Three Lions currently sit atop Group K, having secured maximum points from their first three games. Loftus-Cheek's addition to the squad will provide further competition and creativity as England aim to maintain their perfect record and secure qualification for the World Cup.
Loftus-Cheek's journey back to the national team has been one of perseverance and resurgence. After bursting onto the scene as a promising young talent, injuries and inconsistent form threatened to derail his career. However, his move to AC Milan has proven to be a turning point, allowing him to rediscover his confidence and showcase his abilities on a consistent basis. His performances in Serie A have demonstrated his versatility, technical skill, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. This recall is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he will be eager to make the most of this opportunity to represent his country once again.
The upcoming qualifiers present a chance for Loftus-Cheek to solidify his place in the England squad and potentially play a key role in the World Cup campaign. His experience, combined with his current form, makes him a valuable asset for Tuchel. The England manager will be hoping that Loftus-Cheek can translate his Serie A form to the international stage and help the Three Lions achieve their qualification objectives. The fans, too, will be excited to see Loftus-Cheek back in an England shirt, eager to witness his blend of power, skill, and creativity. His return represents not just a personal triumph but also a boost for the entire England squad as they embark on this crucial stage of their World Cup qualifying journey.