Ruben Loftus-Cheek: From Milan Renaissance to England Recall – A Career Resurgence

A Remarkable Return to International Football

In an unexpected turn of events, AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been called up to the England squad after spending time in the international wilderness. The midfielder, who had planned to simply visit family and friends during the international break, now finds himself in contention to make his first appearance for his country since 2018.

Recent Success at AC Milan

Loftus-Cheek has made an impressive start to his third season at Milan, now playing under a new coach, Massimiliano Allegri. He has already established himself as a key starter, featuring in both the Coppa Italia against Bari and Serie A matches against Cremonese and Lecce.

His impact was particularly notable in Milan’s recent 2-0 victory over Lecce, where he opened the scoring with a well-placed header from Luka Modric’s free-kick. This marked his first goal for the club since March 2024, and notably his 50th league appearance – a significant milestone that places him second only to Fikayo Tomori for appearances by an English player at Milan in the three-points-per-win era.

Evolution Under New Management

The recall to the England squad after nearly seven years is a testament to Allegri’s influence, who has only been working with the British midfielder for just over two months. The club has shown great faith in their investment, with sporting director Igli Tare identifying him as the heir to Tijjani Reijnders.

Loftus-Cheek’s strengths – his aggressive style, power on the ball, and strong physical presence – have always been part of his repertoire since his early days at Chelsea’s Academy. Under Allegri’s management, he has gained greater awareness and confidence, thriving in a role that emphasizes his strengths. He has established himself as a magnificent midfielder who excels when given the freedom to surge forward and dominate physically.

Looking Ahead

While his return to the England setup might have seemed almost impossible, considering his last call-up was in 2018, his recent performances as a crucial link between midfield and attack, including his decisive goal against Lecce, suggest this could be just the beginning of a new chapter in his career.