Ruben Loftus-Cheek has admitted he “completely forgot” about England before he was called up for the first time in over six years by boss Thomas Tuchel yesterday.
The 29-year-old has been away from the Three Lions since his call-up by Sir Gareth Southgate in March 2019, but withdrew through injury on that occasion. His last appearance for his country came in November 2018 and he's featured 10 times in total.
But following Adam Wharton’s adductor injury against Aston Villa on Sunday, Loftus-Cheek has joined back up with the squad after impressing at the San Siro.
Tuesday saw the former Fulham loanee’s first press conference back in an England shirt, and he discussed his mental struggles after his injury problems that led to the six-year absence.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek's last appearance for England came in a 3-0 victory over the United States in November 2018
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"When I ruptured my Achilles, I was on such a high [before it happened], so after that I had a hard time mentally," he admitted.
"But I was still young, I still had time to come back, so I wasn't too low.
The midfielder had his fair share of injury issues while at Chelsea, in particular when he tore his Achilles that ruled him out for almost a year
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“Being away from the squad for so long, you get used to not going, even though you want to play well.
"You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek spoke to the media ahead of his first call-up in six years and admitted he 'completely forgot' about the England squad
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"But I just completely forgot about it and was being a fan of the team instead."
The former Chelsea man suffered from a torn Achilles that saw him miss almost a year of football. The midfielder is no stranger to injuries, but he discussed his recovery and subsequent return to form.
"If you have got good people around you it is going to help you so much, but the main thing comes from your self-drive," he explained.
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"That belief, to overcome challenges, is paramount in sport and in life - that you have this mentality in overcoming challenges."
The versatile midfielder left boyhood club Chelsea in 2023 for AC Milan, where he has made 71 appearances and scored 11 goals.
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Thomas Tuchel and Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a good relationship and the former Chelsea boss valued his versatility
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But it was in west London where he made a name for himself, and in particular caught the eye of current England boss Tuchel while he himself was in charge there.
Loftus-Cheek made 46 appearances under the German coach at Stamford Bridge, with Tuchel clearly taking a liking to the midfielder.
The former Crystal Palace loanee discussed what effect Tuchel had on his career and used his versatility to his advantage.
The former Chelsea star is entering his third season in Milan
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"When he [Tuchel] came into Chelsea and he spoke to me about playing wing-back, I said no way - but I ended up playing there anyway," he said.
"I played many positions under Tuchel and he values my physicality so I am used to working under him.
"He is very intelligent and knows the game so well. Hopefully we can do well to connect with him."
With Loftus-Cheek clearly on the mind of Tuchel, he was asked about his chances of making the World Cup squad: “Who knows. I am able to play different positions. Since I was at AC Milan, I have played a lot higher and close to the striker to get goals and help the team in the final third.
"Under Tuchel I played a lot deeper. I am able to do that and with things that can happen in a tournament, being versatile is a good thing. When it comes to that, I am happy to play anywhere for the team and do my best in any position."