- Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek stood out for England against Germany
- Gareth Southgate says the 21-year-old is capable of anything
- Jermaine Jenas believes Loftus-Cheek has given Southgate a selection headache
- READ MORE: Chelsea ace hailed the ‘English Zidane’ in draw with Germany
England manager Gareth Southgate had an exciting message for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he shone on his debut for the Three Lions against Germany.
The 21-year-old, currently on loan for the season at Crystal Palace, looked immediately at home on the international stage and produced some moments of real flair in England’s attack.
Southgate was suitably impressed, telling ITV afterwards: ‘He did everything I know he can do. It only took him ten minutes to realise “I’m ok here, I can play.”
‘He’s capable of anything. He’s been a top performer in our junior team and he’s shown tonight he can step up.
‘He’s got the physical attributes and he can handle the ball, he can take huge confidence from it. I’m really pleased with him.’
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The England manager’s encouraging words certainly suggest a call-up for next summer’s World Cup is not beyond Loftus-Cheek, who is clearly rated very highly by the national team boss.
Loftus-Cheek hasn’t exactly set the world alight at Palace this season, but Southgate must have been something to suggest he was worth the surprise call-up, and it sounds like he passed his test.
Well played, @rubey_lcheek ? pic.twitter.com/WfHnXR6GaQ
— England (@England) November 10, 2017
Pundit and former England man Jermaine Jenas added that Loftus-Cheek has surely got himself in contention after his performance against Germany.
‘If Gareth Southgate wanted a selection problem tonight, he’s been given one by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. I thought it was a really assured performance from him,’ Jenas told BBC Sport.