Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was awarded the Vauxhall Man of the Match award on his England debut against world champions Germany on Friday night.
The central midfielder, who is on loan to Crystal Palace from the Blues, was handed his first England appearance from the start against Germany — and repaid Gareth Southgate’s faith in him.
Loftus-Cheek looked like a seasoned international on the Wembley turf, pulling off a nutmeg and a Cruyff turn in the first half before being clattered as he played with a real swagger against Joachim Low’s silverware-heavy team.
Up against the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, Loftus-Cheek had good rhythm to his game and was assertive throughout his debut under the lights at the home of football.
The Chelsea academy graduate made his debut alongside Tammy Abraham, also out on loan from the Blues, and the pair certainly staked a claim for involvement in future England squads.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was another impressive performer as he made his debut between the sticks for the Three Lions, and he made a number of fantastic saves to keep City’s Leroy Sane and Timo Werner of RB Leipzig from scoring on Friday night.
England’s next game comes against Brazil on Tuesday, and Loftus-Cheek is bound to be involved again.
