Loftus-Cheek Returns to England After Nearly 7 Years

Loftus-Cheek Admits He ‘Completely Forgot’ About England Amid 7-Year Absence

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed he had “completely forgotten” about the possibility of returning to the England national team during a near seven-year absence, following a string of injuries and career shifts.

The AC Milan midfielder, who last featured for England in a friendly against the United States in November 2018, was part of Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals. However, a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in a post-season friendly for Chelsea in May 2019 derailed his international momentum.

Now 29 years old, Loftus-Cheek has fought his way back into contention and is part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

“When I ruptured my Achilles, I was on such a high. It was really tough mentally,” said Loftus-Cheek. “But I still had time to come back, so I wasn’t too low.”

Despite gradually rebuilding his club form, the England dream slowly faded.

“I just got used to not being in the England squad,” he admitted. “You hope for a sniff, but eventually I just became a fan like everyone else.”

Rebuilding in Milan and Finding Form

Loftus-Cheek joined AC Milan in 2023 and has since made 71 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists across competitions. Playing in a more advanced role, close to the striker, has helped him rediscover attacking sharpness.

But recovery from his Achilles injury took time—two full years to feel like his former self, according to the midfielder.

“That belief to overcome challenges is everything in sport,” he said. “It comes down to self-drive and the support around you.”

Tuchel Connection Key to England Recall

England manager Thomas Tuchel, who previously coached Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea, was a central figure in the midfielder’s career revival. Known for using him in unconventional roles, including right wing-back and centre-back, Tuchel recognized his physical strength and versatility.

“When Tuchel came to Chelsea, he spoke to me about playing wing-back. I said no way… but I did it anyway,” Loftus-Cheek joked.

That familiarity and adaptability could play in his favour as he targets a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad.

“Since joining Milan, I’ve been playing higher up the pitch. But I’m happy to play anywhere for the team—midfield, deep, out wide. Whatever the team needs.”

England’s Fixtures and What Comes Next

England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, followed by a trip to Serbia next week as part of their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

For Loftus-Cheek, the call-up represents more than just a return to the squad—it’s a full-circle moment after years of injury, reinvention, and quiet perseverance.

“It feels great to be back. But I’m just focused on contributing wherever I can.”