Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea has been selected for the 55-man provisional England World Cup team by Gareth Southgate.
The midfielder, who was born in Lewisham, has played a significant part for Stamford Bridge this year, amassing lots of playing time under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
He has started 10 out of a possible 12 Premier League games, which makes him an important member of the Chelsea team.
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Loftus-Cheek took part in a 4-1 defeat for Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium over the weekend.
Despite regrettably scoring an own goal, Potter’s team as a whole struggled, and the 26-year-old still seemed to be one of the best visitors on the field.
The midfielder has had a fantastic season thus far; he had always been a player who was rotated, but his reliable performances have allowed him to take on a larger role.
He last played as a consistent member of the team in 2019, under Maurizio Sarri, who made the most of him.
His career was severely hampered by the Achilles tendon tear he sustained during a charity match in the US. He now appears to be at his best, though.
He has chosen a fantastic time to regain his best form because the Qatar World Cup in 2022 is only around the corner.
Loftus-Cheek was questioned about his prospects of making the team before Chelsea’s Champions League victory over RB Salzburg last week.
He answered: “As a player competing in the 2018 World Cup, you can see your trajectory, and if all goes well, you may be at the World Cup the following year. A lot has changed since then.
“I’m happy to be in good shape and play frequently. All I can ask for is that. It would mean the world to me if I were to attend the World Cup. But I’m not thinking about that right now.
It would be selfish to prioritize my personal goals right now over the club’s given the important games we have coming up.
The Athletic claimed that Loftus-Cheek has been added to Southgate’s provisional squad, which is wonderful news for him.
He was selected from a 55-man list, which will need to be pared to 26 players before the competition, with England likely to announce its team on November 10.
The Cobham academy product will be motivated to perform well in his next matches for Chelsea as a result.
The west London team’s final group encounter in Europe is on Wednesday against Dinamo Zagreb.
Denis Zakaria and Jorginho might start in midfield against the Croatian team, but Loftus-Cheek might get a chance to show off his versatility in the wing-back position.
With a crucial match against Arsenal on Sunday, the midfielder may have another chance to prove why he deserves to be called up.