Ex-Premier League ace receives shock England recall after six-year exile as Thomas Tuchel reacts to Adam Wharton injury

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has received a surprising invitation to join England’s national team under Thomas Tuchel, following Adam Wharton’s injury during Crystal Palace’s recent victory over Aston Villa. This unexpected call-up comes after Wharton, who has only one England cap, suffered an abductor issue, prompting speculation from Eagles boss Oliver Glasner that the midfielder may have to withdraw.

Loftus-Cheek will join fellow late call-up Jarell Quansah, formerly of Liverpool, as they report to St George’s Park to train with the England squad this week. The midfielder last represented England in a friendly against the United States in 2018, marking a significant gap of over six years since his previous inclusion.

Since moving from Chelsea to AC Milan in 2023, Loftus-Cheek has been playing in Serie A, where he recently broke a goal drought by scoring his first of the season in a win over Lecce. His resurgence at club level has helped him surpass competition from other midfielders such as Conor Gallagher, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and especially Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold, typically a right-back for his club, has featured in England’s midfield during previous major tournaments under Gareth Southgate. However, Tuchel has decided against including both Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish for this round of international fixtures, a move that has raised eyebrows.

Explaining his choices, Tuchel told reporters, “There is no-doubt I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack, of their talent and personalities, they will always be big players and in the mix to be called up. I know both are desperate to come back, but for this camp we decided on Reece [James] and Tino [Livramento], and on Jack’s position, [Marcus] Rashy, Anthony [Gordon] and Ebz [Eze]. The competition is up. They will stay in the mix. And from there we go. They can have a bit more rhythm. Jack is starting again now. And Trent the same, after a change of club, new country, it takes a bit of time to settle and find his rhythm.”

England are set for two World Cup qualifying matches: first against Andorra at Wembley on Saturday, followed by a trip to Serbia on Tuesday. The Three Lions currently top their qualifying group with five wins from six matches, as they aim to secure a place at the next World Cup.