Declan Rice reacts as Loftus-Cheek lands surprise England call-up
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: Imago
Edward Bazeley
Wed 3 September 2025 12:52, UK
Declan Rice has reacted to the news that fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is joining him in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
The Arsenal man and the AC Milan star could feature for England in World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia on Saturday, 6 September, and Tuesday, 9 September, respectively.
Loftus-Cheek has made a surprising and long-awaited return to the Three Lions squad, thanks to an injury suffered by Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton.
Tuchel’s recent selections have also seen Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson receive his first senior England call-up.
Credit: Imago
Loftus-Cheek’s return to the international scene could see him make his first England appearance since a win over the United States in 2018.
Tuchel has called upon the former Chelsea man, whereas striker Ivan Toney has been left out of the England squad.
Meanwhile, the national team’s official Instagram account announced on Tuesday, 2 September: “A Three Lions call-up for the first time in over six years.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
“Welcome back, RLC.”
The post attracted a like from Gunners star Rice, who featured as Arsenal lost to Liverpool on Sunday, 31 August.
View this post on Instagram
View Instagram Post
While Loftus-Cheek did not initially receive an England call-up for the September international break, he now has a major opportunity to impress Tuchel ahead of a World Cup year.
Ruben Loftus-CheekSerie A stats 2025/26Appearances2Goals1Assists0Loftus-Cheek has started the new Serie A season well
The 29-year-old headed to the Three Lions camp in good form, having scored for AC Milan in their 2-0 win over Lecce on Friday, 29 August.
Should he receive game time against Andorra and Serbia, the Chelsea academy graduate can show Tuchel that he is worthy of a spot over fellow midfielders like Jordan Henderson, Anderson, Wharton, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, who missed out on selection this time around.
Having worked under the Three Lions boss during his Stamford Bridge days, Loftus-Cheek now has the chance to show that he can perform on the international stage.
Meanwhile, England’s upcoming clash with relative minnows Andorra could let the former Crystal Palace midfielder showcase his attacking prowess as well as his defensive credentials.