Ruben Loftus-Cheek recalled to England squad after six-year absence as Thomas Tuchel turns to AC Milan midfielder after Adam Wharton injury blow

Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been recalled to the England national team squad after Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton sustained an injury. Loftus-Cheek's last call-up came six years ago, but he ended up withdrawing from that March 2019 camp. He has not played for his country since making a substitute appearance against the United States in November 2018.

  • Loftus-Cheek returns to squad
  • Last played for England in November 2018
  • Jarell Quansah also called up

Ruben Loftus-Cheek recalled to England squad after six-year absence as Thomas Tuchel turns to AC Milan midfielder after Adam Wharton injury blowRuben Loftus-Cheek recalled to England squad after six-year absence as Thomas Tuchel turns to AC Milan midfielder after Adam Wharton injury blowRuben Loftus-Cheek recalled to England squad after six-year absence as Thomas Tuchel turns to AC Milan midfielder after Adam Wharton injury blow

As first reported by The Athletic Thomas Tuchel has called up Loftus-Cheek after seeing Wharton suffer an adductor injury during Palace’s 3-0 win over in the on Sunday. Wharton had to be taken off in the second half of the match, and Eagles manager Oliver Glasner later indicated that the midfielder might have to withdraw from international duty. England confirmed this news on Tuesday afternoon, with defender Jarell Quansah also being added to Tuchel’s squad.

star Loftus-Cheek previously played under Tuchel at Chelsea between 2021 and 2022. The Blues academy graduate left Stamford Bridge in 2023 to join AC Milan, and has since made 50 appearances for the club.

Tuchel named a 24-man England squad for their upcoming qualifiers last week. There were several surprises in the squad, including Marcus Rashford’s return to the team set-up after his loan move to , while new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out.

Loftus-Cheek will hope to feature in England’s latest set of 2026 World Cup qualifiers over the next fortnight. Tuchel’s side will first face Andorra at home on September 6, before travelling to Serbia three days later.