Ruben: We’re ready for a tough game
Midfielder Ruben LoftusCheek cannot wait for England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia on Monday, despite being unlikely to force his way into the team.
The Chelsea man, a hit on loan at Crystal Palace last season, is not concerned about his role in the pecking order.
He is preparing to play any part he can to aid the cause.
“We look forward to the Tunisia game and I am sure whoever starts will do a good job,” the 22-year-old said.
“Who knows? Injuries happen. I have to be ready if I don’t start the first couple of games. I’m training well and doing everything right.
“If my opportunity does come along, I’m ready.
“We’ve just started to go over tactics; meetings and analysing the first game. I expect there will be a lot more of that in the next couple of days. “Any game in the World Cup is a tough game. The atmosphere brings a lot out of both teams. “We’re ready for a tough game and an aggressive start from them, so we need to be ready. We might have to wait until game day (to find out who starts), but who knows?” Asked if he would like to find out sooner or later, Loftus-Cheek added: “It’s different for different players.
“I’m not too bothered, but if I had to choose I’d like to know earlier so you can get your head around it.”
Striker Marcus Rashford trained for the first time since England landed in Russia as all 23 squad men took part yesterday. Rashford was absent from the first two days at the Three Lions’ Spartak Zelenogorsk base due to a minor knee complaint, but has now rejoined the group.