Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he is ready to play in England’s opening World Cup game against Tunisia if he is called upon.
The 22-year old Chelsea midfielder, who spent last season on loan with Crystal Palace, won his first England cap before Christmas due to his impressive form for the Eagles, and wasn’t seen as too big a surprise when he was named in Gareth Southgate’s squad to travel to Russia.
With England kicking off their campaign against the African nation in Volgograd on Monday, the four times capped midfielder says he feels the squad are in good shape.
As reported by Sky Sports, Loftus-Cheek said:
Training has always been top level. No matter if it’s at a World Cup or not, training’s been really good and at a high level.
We’re looking forward to the first game and I’m sure whoever starts will be ready and whoever is on the bench will be ready as well.
Loftus-Cheek, who is playing in his first major tournament for his country, insists that the Three Lions have the ability to overcome whatever challenges that come their way. He continued:
Any game in the World Cup is a tough game. The atmosphere brings a lot out of both teams so we’re ready for a tough game and an aggressive start from them so we just need to be ready.
I think the pressures of playing at a World Cup, the pinnacle of football, I imagine it can get to some players.
But I feel with this group everything is relaxed, confident, everyone looks ready. We’re training well, we’re ready, so I’m personally really confident about the team and this World Cup.
