LOFTUS-CHEEK CHELSEA SLAPDOWN

SENIOR Chelsea stars have slapped down Ruben Loftus-Cheek in training to stop him taking their place in the team.

That was the stark admission by England boss Gareth Southgate after the 21-year-old caught the eye at Wembley. The elegant midfielder proved himself the equal of established stars such as Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil as he hinted of a bright future with the Three Lions.

And Southgate revealed, after the final whistle, that he has been such a threat that Chelsea’s big names have been hampering his progress – a fact underlined by his year-long loan to Crystal Palace.

Southgate said: “I’ve known Ruben a long time. The first time I saw him was an Under-16 international and I think Dele Alli also played that night in his first game.

“When you see his physical size, you think you’ll also see a certain type of player.

“Then I saw what you all saw against Germany – one that is so technically gifted. He’s also been able to battle through difficult spells at Chelsea where he’s been training with senior players. They have recognised his talent and so they get to him in training.

“Have they kept him in his place? Yes. They probably saw the threat.”

Southgate has pointed out that he does now have options in midfield. Along with Alli, he also namechecked Liverpool’s Adam Lallana and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. But, clearly, he feels Loftus-Cheek has room for improvement, although playing regularly for the Eagles is of benefit.

Southgate said: “Going out and playing this season has helped him. I watched him early season and I saw flashes. I think he can affect big matches.

“He can add more quality in the final third. He can probably go and score more goals, given his attributes.

“But I was pleased to see the effect he had. He’s at his best receiving the ball behind the opposition midfield, driving on.”

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