Ruben Loftus-Cheek could represent England Under 21s again and is at the centre of a discussion over which senior players will be considered for Euro 2019.
The Chelsea midfielder has not played at this level since March 2017. He missed that summer’s European Championship in Poland with a back injury and was then elevated to the senior squad at the start of last season by Gareth Southgate, who included him in his World Cup squad.
Loftus-Cheek remains open to selection for the Under 21s, having been born after January 1, 1996 — the cut-off date to be eligible for Euro 2019.
Southgate has seven players in his squad for the games against Croatia and Spain who could go to Euro 2019. But it is the subject of Loftus-Cheek that is particularly intriguing.
He has barely figured for Chelsea this season and the fact that he has played only 66 minutes for his club since last month’s friendly against Switzerland has kept him out of Southgate’s plans. The FA want to see him playing regularly and dropping back to the Under 21s would get him game time.
Asked if Loftus-Cheek was out of the Under 21 scene for good, head coach Aidy Boothroyd said: ‘No, he isn’t. I’d never say that. There is obviously a stage when they do (graduate) but he is on the cusp of it. I would never say never.’
Pressed on whether he would rule Loftus-Cheek out of dropping down, Boothroyd continued: ‘No, I wouldn’t. But if Gareth says he is an England player, in the seniors... well, that is what my job is (to get them in to the senior squad).
'There are a few players who could play for the Under 21s next summer. That’s a discussion that we need to have.’
One player who will be with Boothroyd for the foreseeable future is Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who is set to make his Under 21 debut on Thursday night.
Foden says he is in the right place to make the next step in his international career as he targets a place with the seniors at Euro 2020.
‘It is exciting times for England,’ he said. ‘Gareth isn’t afraid to give us a chance. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll just keep working hard. Hopefully the time will come but that’s what I’m aiming for.’
Lanbdz
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Some say no to Real Madrid because of this and that but l would ‘say’ he would add speed that Benzema lacks and in a slow league he would be the king as he would create more chances for his team mates with that speed as he does at City in a speedy league. If he signs there then our hazard would be safe for now but because he has still two years in his contract left then l wouldn’t say Hazard is safe at Chelsea until they find a younger player there this season then he would.
MharkCFC
1
More playing time looking likely now
varnish
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this is pathetic for him
Docrivers
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek, wow. He has been amazing since the start of the season
millmer
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Loftus Cheek has done more EVERYTIME hes played
EPSON
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Not sure if RLC has what it takes. Even against Vidi he looked adequate at best. Imagine how he'd 'perform' if selected against a club like City, Liverpool or Spurs. My main hopes from the young lads are Ampadu and Odoi, should be playing more, at least as subs when we're leading a game 2-0 in the PL or against the weakest teams in the EL.
kazoo
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I agree with an old comment I once read - out the guy up front, he has the powerful look of a striker with pace. Surely worth a go
Derrickse
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Good player but not a starter for a top 4 premier league club.
yellow6
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Loftus-Cheek shows the energy of a retiree playing in his own testimonial. Sarri has eyes... he is simply paying lip-service to those who mistakenly rate Loftus-Cheek. This stiff-legged player will be loaned out after Christmas.
ppogbaa
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RLC has all the makings of being a fantastic goal scoring midfielder. He will come good. Sarri is the man to take him to the next level in my opinion.
Derrick552
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He is very good talented young men,Needs to be more aggressive and faster to come back for helping press opponent . Will he starting 11 material without improving ? Not for Chelsea, were is big competition. Time runs fast for him. This year is very important for him! Good luck and hard work, boy!!!!!
killbaby
1
Too thick to make it at elite level.Lacks movement and spatial awareness. Maybe if they taped his eyes open and made him watch videos of Pirlo in action, he might eventually learn something.
Savannah
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Hahahaha funny how they have convinced themselves that he is the real deal. In truth he is by no mean the finish article. The boy need to improve the tactical side of his game. You just have to listen to what Jose, Contes and Sarri said about him. Great on the ball but poor off the ball but the Media think otherwise. No wonder England are where they are.
Naashero
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England paa why turning back.he now pass that level he is at the Senior side now pass don't see he should join the U21 again.
JohnMc2018
1
He should be playing for England first team never mind U21s
Ismitty
1
That will be demotion he has already passed that level