Loftus-Cheek, Quansah Join England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Loftus-Cheek, Quansah Called Up to England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has earned a shock recall to the England national team, nearly seven years after his last cap, as he joins the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

The AC Milan midfielder, now 29, last featured for the Three Lions in November 2018 in a friendly win over the United States. His return comes under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel, his former Chelsea boss and now the England head coach.

Joining him is Jarell Quansah, the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, who replaces the injured Adam Wharton. Wharton suffered a groin injury during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa and was ruled out of contention.

A Familiar Link: Tuchel and Loftus-Cheek

Tuchel’s admiration for Loftus-Cheek is well documented. During his time at Chelsea, the German manager described the versatile midfielder as a “modern-day Michael Ballack”, grooming him to be a pivotal figure in midfield.

However, Loftus-Cheek’s Chelsea journey lost momentum after Tuchel’s dismissal amid the ownership change to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. With the influx of big-money signings such as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, and academy players being sold for profit, Loftus-Cheek was deemed expendable.

He completed a move to AC Milan, where his debut season offered glimpses of promise. But injuries disrupted his progress in his second year — from muscle problems to appendix surgery — limiting his consistency and form.

Fresh Start in Italy with New Responsibility

Despite the setbacks, Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri remains optimistic. He’s tasked Loftus-Cheek and teammate Youssouf Fofana with contributing 15 goals this season. The Englishman has responded well, already opening his account with a goal in Lecce.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Italian football analyst Daniele Verri explained:

“If he stays fit, Loftus-Cheek is a player with real quality. But his injury record in Italy is a concern. This season is crucial for him.”

Quansah’s Rise Continues

Jarell Quansah, who moved from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal last month, continues his upward trajectory after playing a key role in England’s European Under-21 Championship win in June.

Although part of Tuchel’s first senior squad in March, Quansah is still waiting for his debut cap. That opportunity may now arrive in one of England’s next fixtures — at home to Andorra on 6 September and away to Serbia on 9 September.

Fixture Preview: England’s World Cup Path

England currently top their qualifying group and will aim to strengthen their hold with victories over Andorra and Serbia. The inclusion of Loftus-Cheek and Quansah signals Tuchel’s readiness to blend experience with youth, while also placing trust in players he has previously mentored.

As England gear up for their 2026 World Cup campaign, all eyes will be on whether Loftus-Cheek can reignite his international career and whether Quansah makes his long-awaited senior debut.