Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek deserves a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup next month in Russia.
The 22-year old on loan from Chelsea has been one of Palace’s standout performers this season, and was even rewarded with a debut England cap against Germany in November – where he further impressed.
Palace will be hoping they can convince Chelsea to let the young midfielder leave this summer, with Hodgson confirming he would like to sign Loftus-Cheek permanently.
However, the player’s priority will be making the Three Lions’ squad and impressing if he gets the chance, and Hodgson believes he has what it takes to do so. When asked if he would include Loftus-Cheek if he was still manager, Hodgson said;
Yes. I don’t wish to suggest anybody to (England boss) Gareth Southgate, because it’s his decision alone, and I don’t want to be seen to be pushing any player towards him.
(But) if it was a much more specific question; if it was me selecting the squad, would I find a place for him in the squad, I would.
