England star dreams again of 2026 World Cup as seven-year absence finally ends

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says his World Cup dream helped keep him going during his seven-year England absence.

AC Milan star Loftus-Cheek, 29, made his long-awaited return as a substitute against Wales and that has sparked his ambition to play in the United States next summer. Loftus-Cheek was out in the cold from the England set-up since 2018 until Thomas Tuchel gave him a shock recall last month and then he finally got a chance as a substitute at Wembley on Thursday night.

It has been a long road back for Loftus-Cheek who was a big part of Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad in 2018 but injuries have been a huge frustration in recent years. However, former Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek played under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge and admits the target of playing next summer has given him a fresh target.

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He said: “Yeah, I think it's good to have a goal. I mean, you always want a dream. So, I mean it's in my head, but it's not the front right now.

“Whether you focus on that right now, I'm not sure. I think you have to focus on what you're doing at your club, it is still a long way.

“And I think for me, first and foremost, is to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep playing well for my for my club. And if I do that, I think I've got good chance, and who knows what can happen.”

Loftus-Cheek admitted it has been hard being away from England for so long before his return against Wales as a substitute for the last 21 minutes of the game. But Loftus-Cheek insists he never gave up on England and was given fresh hope when Tuchel took over.

Loftus-Cheek added: “Yeah, it's been a long time. Of course, a lot has happened in that time, starting with the injury. So I kind of stopped expecting to play for England again after so long away.

“But I'm really happy to be back involved in the set-up and getting some minutes on the pitch, which was good. It's a strange feeling after so long, but happy.

“Thomas Tuchel is a fantastic coach, and you can see the hard work we're putting in over these last couple of games, we've been playing really well. So we hope to kick on and keep that going.

“You always see he's a very, very intelligent manager, and he studies the opponents very well and gives us an insight of what we're going to face and how to play against the team and the personnel.

“He gives you a complete picture of what is to come, and that's what you want from a coach. Before the game, we're well prepared and ready to go in the game.

“We shared some good times together at Chelsea, winning trophies. It's good to be back in England with the manager. I know what he likes and wants and demands. So there's nothing new for me in that sense. It's good to be back and playing under him again.”

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