Loftus-Cheek could well be England’s secret weapon

Midfielder confident he can handle the big stage in Russia

Southgate worked with Loftus-Cheek during his time in charge of England’s under-21 team and the player says he enjoys the approach of the ex-Villa defender.

With only two England appearances in his career and not even 50 games under his belt in club football, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not be a known quantity for opposition coaches at the World Cup.

England manager Gareth Southgate hopes the attacking midfielder, who impressed on debut in a November friendly against Germany, can be his secret weapon, and the 22-year-old says he is ready for the intensity of the tournament in Russia.

“One hundred per cent I feel ready for it. I know how to deal with pressure. As a youth player, I played for England and got used to it and I have just to carry it on to the bigger stage,” he said at England’s St George’s training camp.

“I won’t be intimidated by any player or team, I think that is fundamental in football, if you want to do well. I take that mindset into the World Cup.”

Loftus-Cheek is one of several inexperienced young players who have been included in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad and the tall midfielder believes none of them will be overawed.

“I think this squad is used to playing under pressure, most of us haven’t been to a World Cup before but, for me, individually, I am just excited to play at the World Cup and I think, if you enjoy it, you play your best football,” he said.

Loftus-Cheek is a product of Chelsea’s youth system but got regular Premier League football under his belt with former England manager Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace this season.

Element of uncertainty

The Londoner doesn’t know where he will be playing next season but says he has to put that uncertainty out of his mind for the next few weeks.

“I am not thinking about that too much; to be honest, right now I am trying to focus on this summer, this tournament is too big.

“I’ll be back at Chelsea in pre-season anyway and then I will decide when that comes along. I am not too worried it will get sorted when the time comes.”

Southgate worked with Loftus-Cheek during his time in charge of England’s under-21 team and the player says he enjoys the approach of the former Aston Villa defender.

“He has been there and played for England and so he knows what it is like,” said Loftus-Cheek.

“He has been in these situations, with his knowledge that he can pass on to us players, it is great for us. As a manager, he is very good with players oneon-one and tries to help you as much as he can.”

Young squad

If England, drawn with Tunisia, Belgium and Panama in Group G, are to provide a surprise run in Russia, it will require the younger elements in the squad, such as Loftus-Cheek, to deliver.

“In training, you look about at the talent and it is frightening. I think we have a good chance,” said Loftus-Cheek.

“The squad is so young but so good at the same time. If we can deliver when it matters — and I think the boys can do that — we could have a really good tournament.”