Ruben Loftus-Cheek is hoping he can impress the incoming England manager and force his way back into the national squad following his breakthrough season with AC Milan
16:47, 18 Jul 2024
AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is pushing for a return to international football after rediscovering his form in Serie A.
The former Chelsea star hasn't played for England in over six years, and was last called up when being named in Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup. The 28-year-old is hopeful he can impress the next manager, after Southgate resigned following England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
Loftus-Cheek left Chelsea in 2023 and completed a permanent transfer to Milan, leaving the club he joined at the age of eight. The midfielder scored 10 goals in all competitions last season, helping Milan finish second in Serie A and securing Champions League football for the 2024-25 campaign.
"It was good to be a fan of England over the summer and I watched them on their journey even though I wasn't part of the squad," Loftus-Cheek told reporters on Thursday. "It was good to be a part of the nation and the culture during a major tournament.
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"We almost got over the line but it wasn't to be. For me, I played for England before and have friends there so I definitely wanted them to succeed. We were so close this time. Maybe next time who knows, maybe I can be in the squad for that one."
Milan paid £15 million for Loftus-Cheek who made 155 appearances for Chelsea, and are already seeing returns as the midfielder enjoyed perhaps the best season of his career. With England facing a midfield headache ahead of Euro 2024 it was speculated that Southgate could turn to Loftus Cheek, but the former boss instead selected young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.
Declan Rice was one of the first names on the team sheet for Southgate, but with Kalvin Phillips out of form and Jordan Henderson also lacking fitness, it was an inexperienced midfield. Despite being snubbed by Southgate, Loftus-Cheek "wishes him all the best" following his resignation.
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Loftus-Cheek finally has stability in his career, following two loan spells in eight seasons with Chelsea. The midfielder impressed on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham, but now has the comfort of being a key player at the club who employs him.
The former Chelsea star will have to adapt ahead of next season though, as Milan boss Stefano Pioli stepped down at the end of last season after five years in charge. Paulo Fonseca has been hired as the new head coach, with the Portuguese manager most recently taking charge of Lille in Ligue 1.
Loftus-Cheek is highly regarded in Italy following his first season, but will have to impress the new manager to keep his place. Should he succeed and continue to perform, the 28-year-old will then look to break back into the England set up, and catch the eye of the incoming manager.