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Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek must use England’s World Cup as his stage

By Daniel Mcclue

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Francisco Calvo and Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica and Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Francisco Calvo and Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica and Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7, 2018 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek was somewhat of a surprise call-up to England’s World Cup squad, but he needs to take advantage of his chance. After impressing for Crystal Palace, the Chelsea youngster needs to continue his momentum.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek may not be an automatic starter for England, although perhaps he should be. In the current 3-4-3 / 3-5-2 formation Gareth Southgate uses, Loftus-Cheek could provide some key thrust from the centre of the park.

At Crystal Palace last season, Loftus-Cheek played in a number of positions across the midfield. He played at his usual centre-midfield, further forward as more of an attacking midfielder, and even at both right and left midfield. Becoming more versatile will only help Loftus-Cheek going forwards.

Of course the big question mark around Chelsea is who will be the manager in charge. Whether that be Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri or me, the young Englishman can play in a two- or three-man midfield. He can also be utilised further forwards or as a deeper lying playmaker.

Southgate likes Loftus-Cheek, that much is obvious. He regularly speaks in glowing terms about him, and trusts him enough to give him a call-up. He will play a part at this World Cup in some aspect.

After an impressive season it’s important for him to continue his good form into the next season. Using the World Cup as his stage in the spotlight will put him on good terms with whoever is behind the bench at Chelsea. More importantly, if Loftus-Cheek has a strong World Cup it will give Chelsea every excuse to keep him around next season and force his way into the starting lineup.

For England, he would likely be in contention to start alongside Jordan Henderson or Eric Dier. More realistically, he will likely be used as a late replacement further forwards for Dele Alli or Raheem Sterling.

World Cup matches are usually tight affairs, needing a moment of magic to break down the lower ranked teams. Loftus-Cheek could be the key to this for England. Against tiring defences he would bring a directness, pace and flair to a team usually desperate for it.

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek needs to relax, be himself and bring a sense of arrogance to his play. He has earned this chance, and it could set him up for his future in blue.

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