Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in the England squad, a remarkable turn of events after a long and arduous journey filled with setbacks. The AC Milan midfielder has been recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for the injured Adam Wharton for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. This marks Loftus-Cheek's first call-up to the national team since March 2019, with his last appearance dating back to November 2018.

The 29-year-old is understandably excited about the opportunity. Loftus-Cheek's career trajectory took an unfortunate turn when he ruptured his achilles tendon in May 2019 during a post-season friendly against the New England Revolution. This injury, suffered in what he calls essentially a "nothing match," proved to be a significant setback, both physically and mentally. He admits it took him approximately 18 months to two years to feel physically recovered, and the mental recovery was even more challenging.

Now, Loftus-Cheek describes himself as being "at peace with the past". He spent almost 20 years with Chelsea before joining AC Milan in the summer of 2023. Since his move, he has made 70 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 11 goals. Under the guidance of new manager Max Allegri, and alongside new teammates, including Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Christopher Nkunku, Loftus-Cheek has found a new lease on his career.

Loftus-Cheek's versatility could be a valuable asset for England. Tuchel, who previously managed Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea, is well aware of his ability to play in various positions. During his time at Chelsea, Tuchel utilized Loftus-Cheek as a right wing-back, central midfielder, and even as a central defender. Loftus-Cheek himself is open to playing wherever he is needed. He acknowledges that his role at Milan has been more attacking, playing closer to the striker, while under Tuchel, he played in a deeper role.

His journey back to the England squad has been one of resilience and determination. After his achilles injury, he started to rebuild his career with a loan spell at Fulham in the 2020-21 season. Although he faced challenges, he eventually returned to Chelsea, where he reunited with Tuchel. Loftus-Cheek's recent form for Milan has been impressive. In early 2024, he was recognized as one of the top goal-scoring midfielders in Europe, even outscoring the likes of Jamal Musiala and Cole Palmer. He has become a key player for Milan, thriving in a more advanced role.

Loftus-Cheek's return to the England squad is not just a personal triumph but also a potential glimpse into Tuchel's tactical plans. His versatility, physicality, and technical abilities make him a valuable asset to the team. While he acknowledges the challenges of breaking back into the squad after such a long absence, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity and potentially secure a place in the World Cup squad.