Tuchel: ‘Loftus-Cheek not aware how good he is’ after AC Milan experience

England manager Thomas Tuchel trusts AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek can give so much more. ‘Sometimes I’m not sure if he is aware how good he is.’

He finally earned a recall to international duty thanks to his fine performances in the Rossoneri jersey, almost seven years since his last senior cap for England.

“It was always a pleasure (to work with him) and I’m very happy that I had the chance to call him up,” explained Tuchel in his press conference.

“He’s a very, very nice guy to be around, very friendly, very polite, good sense of humour, and he is full of quality.

“Sometimes I’m not sure if he is aware how good he is, how good he can be, but he fits in seamlessly because of his character and quality. He showed it straight away.

“He competes for a place in central midfield.”

“Sometimes I’m not sure if he is aware of how good he is!”

Thomas Tuchel has backed midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, after bringing him into the England squad, seven years after his last international appearance 🦁 pic.twitter.com/vz3lhmFraA

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 5, 2025

Loftus-Cheek impressed at AC Milan when fit

Loftus-Cheek is hoping to be part of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra on Saturday and Serbia on Tuesday September 9.

The 29-year-old managed to amass 10 caps since his debut in November 2017, but none of them since his transfer from Chelsea to Milan for €18.9m in the summer of 2023.

Despite numerous injury problems, Loftus-Cheek still contributed 11 goals and three assists in 71 competitive games for the Serie A giants.

His most recent game for England was in the 3-0 friendly victory over the USA in November 2018.