Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been named in England’s World Cup squad which surely rules out a return to Palace next season.
News of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s inclusion in England’s World Cup squad has been celebrated by Crystal Palace fans who had a front row seat to his hugely impressive rise – even if it effectively ends their hopes of re-signing him next season.
Loftus-Cheek, who left Chelsea on loan for a season at Selhurst Park last year, has seen his impressive campaign rewarded with a seat on the plane to Russia, sat alongside Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard as Gareth Southgate’s midfield options.
As is par for the course, there are plenty who are slightly miffed with some selection decisions – particularly those to leave Jack Wilshere and Jonjo Shelvey behind. But there has been little argument from those who saw Loftus-Cheek play an integral role – alongside Wilfried Zaha – in Palace’s successful survival bid this season.
Notable by their absence on today’s squad list were two English players bought by Chelsea last season after allowing their 21-year-old midfielder to leave; Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley – neither of whom even made the reserve list.
Loftus-Cheek will have the platform this summer to underline once again what a sorry decision that was from his club and show he is ready to challenge for a starting role at a club competing for major honours next season. Unfortunately for Palace, that surely closes the door on a return to south east London.
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