Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to England after long hiatus

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been handed a surprise recall to the England squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. 

The AC Milan midfielder, who won his first England cap in 2017, last featured for the Three Lions in a 2018 victory over the United States. His return comes seven years after his last international appearance.

Loftus-Cheek, 29, will link up once again with England boss Thomas Tuchel, who previously managed him at Chelsea. Tuchel was instrumental in the midfielder’s best spell at Stamford Bridge, often likening him to German legend Michael Ballack. 

Loftus-Cheek endured a difficult period after Tuchel’s exit, as Chelsea’s ownership transition brought heavy squad changes, leading to his eventual move to Italy.

Joining him in the squad is Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old, who played a key role in England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph earlier this year, steps in following an injury to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton suffered a groin problem during his side’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Quansah recently secured a £35m transfer from Liverpool to Leverkusen and was previously called up to Tuchel’s first England squad in March. 

However, he has yet to make his senior debut. His inclusion highlights Tuchel’s continued trust in emerging talent as England prepares for back-to-back qualifiers.

Loftus-Cheek’s form in Italy has been mixed. After an encouraging first season at AC Milan, his second campaign was plagued by injuries, including muscular issues and appendix surgery. 

Italian journalist Daniele Verri described the spell as “a disaster,” but noted the midfielder has started this season brightly, scoring in Milan’s recent win over Lecce. Manager Massimiliano Allegri has backed him to play a bigger role if he stays fit.

England will host Andorra at Wembley on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Serbia three days later. 

With both Loftus-Cheek seeking redemption on the international stage and Quansah eager for a senior debut, Tuchel’s squad blends experience and fresh promise as qualification continues.