Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been recalled to the England squad after a period of absence, a move he admits he didn’t anticipate. The AC Milan midfielder’s return follows consistent performances in Italy and an injury to Adam Wharton. Loftus-Cheek looks forward to reuniting with Thomas Tuchel, under whom he played at Chelsea, and aims to make the most of this opportunity in the upcoming matches against Andorra and Serbia.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the AC Milan midfielder, has expressed his surprise and delight at being recalled to the England squad. After a significant absence, the 29-year-old finds himself back in contention for the Three Lions, a turn of events he admits he had almost given up on. Loftus-Cheek is set to join the squad for the upcoming matches against Andorra and Serbia, marking a potential return to the international stage after years away.
His last appearance for England dates back to November 2018, when he featured in a friendly match against the United States. The intervening years saw Loftus-Cheek focus on his club career, experiencing highs and lows with Chelsea before making a move to Italy. Now, his consistent performances for AC Milan have caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, leading to this unexpected recall.
The call-up comes following the withdrawal of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who suffered an adductor injury during his team's 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. While Wharton's misfortune opened the door for Loftus-Cheek, the Milan midfielder's own form and contributions have undoubtedly earned him this opportunity.
Familiar territory for @RLC
The #ThreeLions midfielder discusses his relationship with Thomas Tuchel. pic.twitter.com/yl5jebrFjO
— England (@England) September 3, 2025
Loftus-Cheek himself confessed that he had resigned himself to the idea that his international career might be over. "I just completely forgot about it and was being a fan of the team instead," he revealed, highlighting his surprise at the unexpected turn of events. This candid admission underscores the competitive nature of international football and the challenges players face in maintaining their place in the national team setup.
The England call-up also sets the stage for a reunion with Thomas Tuchel, under whom Loftus-Cheek previously played at Chelsea. During the 2021-22 campaign, Tuchel utilized Loftus-Cheek in various roles, including right wing-back and midfielder, providing him with significant playing time and opportunities to develop his game. Loftus-Cheek made 40 appearances in all competitions under Tuchel, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
“I played many positions under Tuchel and he values my physicality so I am used to working under him,” Loftus-Cheek added, reflecting on his previous experience with the England manager. "He is very intelligent and knows the game so well. Hopefully, we can do well to connect with him.”
Since joining AC Milan in 2023, Loftus-Cheek has become an integral part of the Italian side, making 71 appearances and contributing 11 goals and three assists. His performances have been instrumental in Milan's success, and he has quickly established himself as a key player in their midfield.
Notably, he scored the opening goal in Milan's recent 2-0 victory over Lecce, a match in which he also recorded four shots, one key pass, and an impressive 90.9% pass accuracy. This performance helped Milan secure their first Serie A points of the 2025-26 season, further solidifying Loftus-Cheek's importance to the team.
Looking ahead, England will face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, followed by a challenging away fixture against Serbia next week. These matches will provide Loftus-Cheek with an opportunity to prove his worth to Tuchel and stake his claim for a regular place in the England squad. His versatility, experience, and recent form make him a valuable asset to the team, and he will be eager to make the most of this unexpected second chance.
The midfielder’s journey back to the England squad is a testament to his resilience and dedication. After overcoming injuries and adapting to new roles, Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a more complete and mature player. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, coupled with his tactical awareness, makes him a valuable asset to any team. As he prepares to represent his country once again, Loftus-Cheek will undoubtedly be driven by a desire to prove that he belongs on the international stage and to make a lasting impact for the Three Lions.