Ruben Loftus-Cheek opens up about the mental journey through wilderness years that made his England return sweeter. The AC Milan midfielder admits he’d completely forgotten what it felt like to wear the Three Lions shirt during his near seven-year exile from the national setup, transforming from international star to passionate supporter during England’s rollercoaster campaigns.
The Long Road Back to England Recall
Loftus-Cheek’s last England appearance seems like a lifetime ago – a friendly against the United States in November 2018, months after his involvement in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad that captured the nation’s imagination in Russia. Few could have predicted his next call-up would take 2,065 days to materialize following a devastating injury setback.
The career-altering moment came during Chelsea’s 2019 post-season friendly in the United States, just days before their Europa League final. A ruptured Achilles tendon not only robbed him of European glory but derailed his England trajectory at what should have been his peak. When I ruptured my Achilles, I was on such a high before it happened, Loftus-Cheek reflects. Afterwards, I had a hard time mentally.
His recovery became a test of resilience spanning over two years before he felt like his authentic self on the pitch again. What began as physical rehabilitation evolved into a psychological battle: If you have good people around you it helps so much, but the main thing comes from your self-drive. That belief to overcome challenges is paramount in sport and life.
From Chelsea Shadows to San Siro Spotlight
The midfielder’s career renaissance began with his 2023 move to AC Milan, where he’s since become indispensable – making 71 appearances across competitions while contributing 11 goals and 3 assists. The slower pace of Serie A allowed Loftus-Cheek to reinvent himself as an attacking force, developing facets of his game often suppressed in England’s frenetic leagues.
This tactical evolution might prove crucial for his England recall ambitions. While deployed primarily in advanced positions at Milan, his history of defensive versatility could offer Southgate valuable squad flexibility. Under Tuchel I played a lot deeper. At Milan I operate higher up. I’m happy to play anywhere for the team, he notes, emphasizing his adaptability.
The Boss Who Never Forgot: Tuchel Reunion
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager adds intriguing context to Loftus-Cheek’s resurgence. Their Chelsea connection saw the German deploy him in unorthodox roles, from right wing-back to emergency center-back – positions initially met with skepticism.
When Tuchel suggested playing wing-back, I said no way, Loftus-Cheek laughs. But he values my physicality and intelligence in different systems. That mutual understanding could smooth the transition back into international football, with the midfielder acknowledging: He knows the game so well. Hopefully we can connect productively.
England Recall Reward for Silent Persistence
For all his continental success, Loftus-Cheek admits he’d mentally checked out from England selection dreams: I got used to not joining up after so long away. You hope for a sniff, but eventually I just became a fan. That emotional detachment makes his comeback sweeter – the culmination of a five-year rebuild from shattered dreams to renewed purpose.
His philosophical approach to international football now mirrors his journey’s maturity: Tournaments demand versatility. Injuries happen. If I can offer solutions in multiple positions, that helps the collective. This team-first mentality, forged through adversity, makes him a valuable asset as England enter critical World Cup qualifying fixtures against Andorra and Serbia.
Second Chapter of an England Story
Loftus-Cheek’s story transcends typical comeback narratives. It’s about rediscovering identity after trauma, adapting craft to foreign demands, and maintaining belief when even ardent supporters had moved on. His England recall represents redemption not through grand statements, but silent persistence.
As Southgate’s squad evolves, few understand the privilege of international football more acutely than a player who spent years applauding from the shadows. The man who once forgot what England felt like now carries that memory into every training session – a constant reminder that absence truly makes the heart grow fonder.
