FIFA WC: Southgate lauds Rashford for his impressive showing in England’s win over Wales
Wales' first-ever World Cup campaign in 64 years ended with a defeat as England are set to face Senegal in the round of 16 encounters.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek put in assured performance on his senior England debut against the reigning World Cup champions—Germany— no less and the youngster reaffirmed his desire to make Garerth Southgate’s squad for the next year’s tournament in Russia.
“The World Cup is still a long season away and I still want to improve until the end of the season.I think there’s a chance but I have to keep learning, keep getting better and hopefully I can be considered for the plane,” the 21-year-old said after the 0-0 draw on Friday night.
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The likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling had all withdrawn from the squad due to injuries and their absence paved the way for Loftus-Cheek to start on the right-hand side of England’s three-man attack.
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The Chelsea player, currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace continued: “It could have been better, if we had won it would have been better. But I’m really happy, it was a tough game against a good Germany side and it was a very tactical game”.
The 21-year-old’s calm display, especially when he dropped deep into midfield, won him praise from a variety of experts. His exquisite lofted through-ball for Vardy, in particular, was a highlight but the the tall midfielder impressed even when he didn’t have the ball.
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“I certainly learnt a lot in this game so it (was) a good night. Gareth said to do my best like I normally do. I was with him for nearly three years in the Under-21s, so it wasn’t too much of a new thing coming here,” a visibly exhilarated Loftus-Cheek stated.
England face Brazil in another high-profile friendly on Tuesday before the players return to their respective clubs for a busy winter period and Loftus-Cheek will hope Southgate picks him for the clash against the in-form Brazilians.
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