In what’s looking like a smart move AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been called back to the England national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. It’s his first time back in international football after seven years away his last game for England was back in 2018. The way Loftus-Cheek can play different positions and adapt really well which he learned at Chelsea with current England manager Thomas Tuchel, is why he’s back in the team.
- Tuchel knows what Loftus-Cheek can do from their Chelsea days.
- Him being able to play different spots in midfield is super important for England’s World Cup plans.
- Even with all his injuries Loftus-Cheek has shown how good and tough he is.
Loftus-Cheek’s Return to International Football
Ruben Loftus-Cheek getting back in the England squad shows how tough he is and how good he can be. He started at Chelsea and did really well there even though he kept getting hurt. After going on loan a few times including doing great at Crystal Palace he moved to AC Milan in 2023 for €16 million. Since he joined Milan he’s been playing most games and really helping their midfield in both Serie A and UEFA Champions League games.
🚨 EXCL: Ruben Loftus-Cheek called into England squad for upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. AC Milan midfielder last appeared for national team in 2018 but Thomas Tuchel knows 29yo from Chelsea & now included for Andorra + Serbia fixtures @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/dTLCDRGG3u
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein)
September 02, 2025
Tuchel’s Strategic Decision
Thomas Tuchel bringing Loftus-Cheek into the England squad is part of his plan to get players who know how he likes to do things. This fits with what England wants to do – not just get to the 2026 World Cup but do really well there. Loftus-Cheek played four games in the 2018 World Cup so he knows what it’s like, which will help a lot during these qualifiers.
Loftus-Cheek keeps having trouble with injuries like when he hurt his thigh really bad in 2024-2025 and needed an operation. But even with all that he’s been playing so good at AC Milan that the England coaches couldn’t ignore him anymore and now he’s back in with Tuchel in charge.
England’s World Cup Campaign
These games coming up against Andorra and Serbia are super important for England’s World Cup plans. With Tuchel running things and using his connections and what he knows players like Loftus-Cheek are gonna be real important in helping England do well internationally.
To learn more about how AC Milan is doing and what Loftus-Cheek does there check out this match preview.
