Thomas Tuchel makes late change to England squad with midfielder returning after six-year absence

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 02/09/2025

- 10:49

Updated: 02/09/2025

- 12:41

The swap comes after Adam Wharton withdrew from the squad

Thomas Tuchel has added former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the England squad, with the 29-year-old being called up for the first time in six years.

The AC Milan star replaces Adam Wharton, who sustained an adductor injury over the weekend.


England boss Tuchel knows Loftus-Cheek well from his days in charge of Chelsea, for whom the Englishman made 155 appearances during an eight-year spell in London. He also won two Premier Leagues at Stamford Bridge.

Loftus-Cheek has made 10 senior appearances for the national team, and will be called up for the first time since 2019, according to The Athletic.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been called up to the England squad for the first time in six years

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GETTU

The midfielder left Chelsea in 2023 for a fee of £15million, penning a four-year deal at the San Siro. He has since gone on to make 71 appearances for the Serie A giants, scoring 11 goals.

He replaces Wharton, who was substituted in the 56th minute during Crystal Palace's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

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Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton was forced to withdraw from the squad after he suffered an injury against Aston Villa at the weekend

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REUTERS

Loftus-Cheek joins former Chelsea teammate Reece James in the squad.

Ex-Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of the squad by Tuchel, after his slow start to life at Real Madrid.

His Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham also dropped out after he underwent shoulder surgery this summer that will see him out of action for up to three months.

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The pair are replaced by Tottenham's Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, both of whom are uncapped.

Tuchel explained Anderson's inclusion to the squad: "A regular player for Nottingham Forest and had a fantastic season. He is excited to come join us and hope he can make his mark."

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Spence, 25, has enjoyed a break-out 12 months in the Spurs squad, featuring heavily under both Ange Postecoglou and new boss Thomas Frank.

The full-back's versatility, playing both sides of the defence and also able to play further forward, means he is a favourable option for the north London side.

"I don't like the phone calls [telling players they are not included] but I kind of like them because it shows we have players pushing and players fighting for a place in the squad," England boss Tuchel said after the squad announcement.

"That's exactly what we want."

Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen earned recalls to the squad, while 35-year-old Jordan Henderson retained his place after his move to Brentford this summer.