Ruben Loftus-Cheek once looked destined to become a permanent fixture in the England setup. In the 2018–19 season, the midfielder scored ten goals for Chelsea and was preparing for the Europa League final against Arsenal, followed by a chance to feature in the Nations League finals with England. At just 23, his rise appeared unstoppable.
But fate dealt him a cruel blow. During a post-season charity match in the United States against the New England Revolution, Loftus-Cheek ruptured his Achilles tendon. What should have been a routine friendly effectively derailed his momentum. The injury left him sidelined for over a year, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as both Chelsea and England moved forward without him. Physically, he admits it took nearly two years to recover, while mentally the ordeal was far harder to overcome.
Loftus-Cheek Coming to Terms with Setbacks
Speaking from St George’s Park after his surprise recall as a replacement for the injured Adam Wharton, Loftus-Cheek reflected on those dark times. He described the injury as a cruel twist, happening just when he felt at his best. “It did take a while to process, to get those feelings out,” he said. “It was a very hard time.”
Now, however, the 28-year-old says he has reached a place of acceptance. “I’m at peace with the past,” he admitted, pointing to his calmer and more experienced outlook. Having endured years of setbacks, he now approaches international football with a renewed sense of gratitude, savouring opportunities that once seemed routine.
Watching from Afar
While England surged to the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals, Loftus-Cheek was forced to follow the drama from his living room. The experience, he confessed, was bittersweet. “Being away from the squad for so long, you kind of get used to not going, even if you still want to push in club football to hopefully get a sniff,” he said. Watching England matches with his family, he found himself more anxious than when playing on the pitch.
The feeling of being an outsider, he explained, was difficult to accept. Yet, the distance also gave him perspective. It strengthened his hunger to one day return and reinforced the pride he feels whenever pulling on the England shirt. His recall, therefore, represents not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal victory.
Rebuilding at Club Level
Loftus-Cheek’s road back began with a loan spell at Fulham in the 2020–21 season, though the struggles persisted. Returning to Chelsea, he was reinvented by then-manager Thomas Tuchel, who utilised his versatility in various roles, from central midfield to right wing-back and even centre-back. Despite initial hesitation, Loftus-Cheek embraced the challenges, demonstrating both his athleticism and technical quality.
The summer of 2023 brought a fresh start in Serie A, with a £15m move to AC Milan. Under Max Allegri, Loftus-Cheek has flourished, playing in advanced roles closer to the striker and linking up with high-profile teammates such as Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Christopher Nkunku. His performances in Italy have been instrumental in pushing him back into the England reckoning.
A Versatile Asset for England’s Future
Loftus-Cheek believes his adaptability could be crucial for England, especially in tournament football where tactical flexibility is prized. At Milan, he has been given greater attacking responsibilities, but he retains the ability to play deeper or out wide, just as he did under Tuchel. “With things that can happen in a tournament, being versatile is a good thing,” he said. “I’m happy to play anywhere for the team.”
As England prepares for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, Loftus-Cheek is determined to make the most of his long-awaited return. After years of physical struggles, mental battles, and missed opportunities, the midfielder is once again ready to wear the Three Lions. This time, with maturity and perspective on his side, Ruben Loftus-Cheek intends to savour every moment.
