Ruben’s ready to show world
AIDY BOOTHROYD says Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek will silence any doubters by showing off his “frightening” potential for England. Under-21s boss Boothroyd reckons the 21-year-old, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, has only shown fans a glimpse of his true talent. Loftus-Cheek was a surprise addition to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Wembley friendlies against Germany tomorrow and Brazil next Tuesday. But Boothroyd, whose side must cope without him in their Euro 2019 qualifier against Ukraine tomorrow, says Loftus-Cheek will quickly show just why he has been fast-tracked. “He hasn’t really shown what he’s all about yet, but his potential is frightening,” said Boothroyd. “The last couple of times he’s been called up for the Under-21s he hasn’t made it through injury. “I’ve been ribbing him about that – as soon as Gareth calls he picks the phone up and he’s there! “You never know if they’re ready until you chuck them in. There are easier games they could go into but the fact it’s Germany and Brazil, No.1 and No.2 in the world, is absolutely fantastic and I’m really excited.”
Boothroyd suffered another blow yesterday when Everton midfielder Tom Davies was ruled out of the game in Kiev with a hamstring injury.
He was already without six regulars due to injuries and call-ups to Southgate’s squad.
First-choice captain Joe Gomez is another man promoted by Southgate, so Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook – skipper of the U-20s’ World Cup-winning side this summer – will lead the team.
Boothroyd added: “Lewis knows what he’s doing and his arms are strong enough to lift things, such as Under-20 World Cups.
“There are a number of players who could have had the armband but for me he is the best one.”
New York City forward Jack Harrison missed training yesterday through injury but will travel to Ukraine, while West Brom midfielder Sam Field has replaced Davies in the squad.