Ruben Loftus-Cheek Recalled to England Squad After Six-Year Absence

AC Milan Midfielder Back in the Fold as Thomas Tuchel Turns to Former Chelsea Star Following Adam Wharton Injury Blow

International football always finds a way of producing comeback stories. This week, that spotlight shines firmly on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been handed a shock recall to the England squad after a six-year exile. The 28-year-old midfielder, now plying his trade at AC Milan, has been drafted in by manager Thomas Tuchel after Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace sustained an untimely injury.

For Loftus-Cheek, this is more than just a call-up. It’s an unexpected second chance, a reminder that international doors can reopen even when they appear firmly shut.

What Happened?

The news broke via The Athletic, who first reported that Tuchel would turn to Loftus-Cheek following Wharton’s injury during Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The 20-year-old was forced off in the second half with an adductor problem, and subsequent scans confirmed he would not be fit to join up with England.

On Tuesday afternoon, the FA officially confirmed Loftus-Cheek’s recall, alongside the addition of Jarell Quansah, the Bayer Leverkusen defender. The move raised eyebrows, largely because Loftus-Cheek’s last taste of international duty came back in March 2019, when he was called up by Gareth Southgate but later withdrew. His most recent England appearance was even further back: November 2018, when he came off the bench against the United States in a Wembley friendly.

Chelsea FC v Juventus: Group H – UEFA Champions League

The Bigger Picture: Tuchel’s Bold Choice

Tuchel, who has only recently stepped into the England job, has wasted no time in putting his own stamp on the squad. His decision to recall Loftus-Cheek reflects not only a pragmatic response to injuries but also a clear willingness to reward form abroad.

The AC Milan midfielder has quietly built a reputation in Serie A as a versatile, athletic, and technically gifted presence. Since moving from Chelsea in 2023, he has amassed over 50 league appearances, becoming a trusted figure in Milan’s midfield under Stefano Pioli.

Tuchel’s relationship with Loftus-Cheek also cannot be overlooked. The German worked with him at Chelsea between 2021 and 2022, and while Loftus-Cheek was not always a first-choice starter, Tuchel clearly valued his adaptability. That past connection likely played a role in the manager’s thinking.

Did You Know?

• Loftus-Cheek made his England debut in November 2017 under Gareth Southgate, impressing against Germany in a goalless friendly.

• He was part of England’s 2018 World Cup squad, featuring in four games as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals.

• Injuries hampered his progress at Chelsea, including a devastating Achilles rupture in 2019 that ruled him out for almost a year.

• At AC Milan, he has played both as a central midfielder and further forward, showcasing the versatility that first made him a standout at Cobham.

England’s Changing Midfield Picture

The recall of Loftus-Cheek also highlights the evolving state of England’s midfield under Tuchel. In naming his 24-man squad last week, the new England boss already caused a stir. Marcus Rashford returned to the fold after his loan move to Barcelona, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, newly signed by Real Madrid, was surprisingly omitted.

Now, with Wharton ruled out, Loftus-Cheek adds a different profile to the group. At 6ft 3in, he brings physicality and ball-carrying ability through midfield, traits that England may need in matches where breaking down compact defenses is crucial.

For Tuchel, it’s a case of balancing youth with experience. Wharton’s injury removes one of the brightest young talents in English football, but Loftus-Cheek’s inclusion ensures that England do not lose depth or composure in that area of the pitch.

Loftus-Cheek’s Long Road Back

It’s easy to forget just how highly rated Loftus-Cheek once was. Emerging from the Chelsea academy, he was hailed as the next great midfielder for both club and country. His blend of strength, elegance, and tactical intelligence drew comparisons to players like Michael Ballack.

But injuries, inconsistency, and the sheer depth of Chelsea’s squad meant his career never quite took off in the way many had hoped. Loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham gave him minutes but not the stability he craved.

The move to AC Milan in 2023 felt like a turning point. Away from the pressures of Stamford Bridge and the Premier League spotlight, Loftus-Cheek found rhythm and confidence in Italy. Now, that consistency has been rewarded with an England return — something that seemed unlikely even a few months ago.

England’s Upcoming Fixtures

Loftus-Cheek will now join Tuchel’s squad as they prepare for two important 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

• England vs Andorra (September 6, Wembley)

• Serbia vs England (September 9, Belgrade)

The home game against Andorra should provide Tuchel with an opportunity to rotate his squad, potentially giving Loftus-Cheek valuable minutes to re-establish himself at international level. The away trip to Serbia, however, is expected to be far more testing.

A Second Chance Few Expected

England Men Press Conference

For Loftus-Cheek, this call-up is a validation of the resilience and patience he has shown throughout his career. Many players written off in their early-to-mid 20s rarely get another shot on the international stage. Yet here he is, on the verge of pulling on an England shirt again, six years after his last involvement.

The footballing world often loves to tell stories of redemption, and Loftus-Cheek’s return to the England fold has all the ingredients to be one of those narratives.

Conclusion: Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s England Return Adds Depth and Symbolism

The recall of Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the England squad after six long years is about more than just covering for an injured player. It’s about experience, adaptability, and a manager’s faith in someone he has worked with before.

For England, it ensures Tuchel’s squad does not lose balance despite Wharton’s setback. For Loftus-Cheek, it’s an overdue reward for quietly rebuilding his career abroad. And for fans, it’s a reminder that in football, as in life, comebacks are always possible.

The real question now is whether Loftus-Cheek can seize this chance. If he does, his story could yet inspire a new chapter — one that seemed closed long ago.