Ruben still has plenty to do

ERIC DIER believes there is much more to come from Ruben Loftus-Cheek but warned the England new boy that there is plenty of hard work still to be done. Loftus-Cheek was the stand-out success in the goalless draw with Germany at Wembley on Friday night. The 21-year-old shone in an attacking midfield role on his debut, with his strength, pace and skill giving Southgate an interesting option as he builds his squad for the World Cup. Loftus-Cheek, on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, has been given regular football at Selhurst Park after a frustrating past couple of years at Stamford Bridge.

Dier, who captained England for the first time on Friday, said: “Everyone has known about Ruben’s potential for a long time.

“It’s great that he’s now playing regular football week-in, week-out at Crystal Palace. That can only allow him to fulfil his potential. Hopefully this is another step in his progression.

“There’s so much more to come from him but there’s no point getting too carried away yet. He’s a good boy and he still has a lot to work on, like all of us.

“He showed a great attitude, willing to get on the ball anywhere, with the confidence to do that and that’s fantastic and great to see.

“Ruben is a big lad. He’s been the same since he was 12 I think! He’s strong, he’s got great physicality, he moves the ball really well. There’s fantastic potential there and hopefully he keeps working hard to fulfil it.

“He has got this opportunity because he has been playing regular football. The manager said before the Germany game that if you’re not playing week-in, week-out, it would be