COUNTDOWN Mature Stones leading from the back

Willian has a cheeky suggestion

WILLIAN has urged Chelsea to recall Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Crystal Palace and give the England youngster a chance at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Brazilian forward revealed he cannot understand why his club allowed LoftusCheek, 21, to join Palace on a season-long loan.

Willian, who came on as a substitute as his country were held to a 0-0 draw by a battling England team at Wembley on Tuesday, saw Loftus-Cheek suffer a back injury during the first half.

But the young Chelsea midfielder, called into the England squad last week by coach Gareth Southgate as injuries and withdrawals bit into his squad, had made a major impression against Germany on Friday night and now has a chance of making it to the World Cup finals next summer.

“I don’t know why he is at Crystal Palace now – he has to come back,” said Willian. “He is strong, he has quality. He has a great future.”

Loftus-Cheek, who has started only six league games at Chelsea in the past three years, has starred at Palace but cannot be recalled as he is on a year-long loan.

Willian believes this young England will be a threat in Russia. “England are a very strong team with young players, quality players,” he said. “It was one of our hardest games. We didn’t create much.” WAY BACK: Chelsea should recall LoftusCheek says Willian