WONDER OF THE WORLD WANDERING THE WORLD?

impressed while on loan at Crystal Palace and he made 24 league appearances for the Eagles to force his way into Southgate’s England plans, playing four times in Russia.

Loftus-cheek is determined to build on that and fears his development could stall without regular playing time.

He cut short his holiday in a bid to return to Chelsea early and try to catch new boss Maurizio Sarri’s eye.

Sarri and assistant Gianfranco Zola held talks with Loftus-cheek about their plans on his first day back. But the player was disappointed that his efforts to impress Sarri were not rewarded with a place in Chelsea’s Community Shield squad – while Willian, who returned to training after him, was on the bench.

He was handed a 22-minute run-out off the bench in Chelsea’s 3-0 opening day win at Huddersfield.

But he suffered the blow of losing his place in the matchday squad to new loan signing from Real Madrid Mateo Kovacic for last week’s derby against Arsenal, which Sarri’s men won 3-2.

Chelsea face Newcastle on Sunday, but, rather than his potential involvement at St James’ Park, the indications he receives about his future prospects are set to be the deciding factor.

Loftus-cheek’s situation and lack of action could also be a concern for Southgate.

He names his squad next Thursday for England’s UEFA Nations League clash against Spain and the follow-up friendly against Switzerland.