'Mr Versatile' hoping to pay back ex-boss

WORLD CUP 2026

- By JONATHAN VEAL

AC MILAN midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek hopes his versatility can help take him to the World Cup after earning an England recall.

The 29-year-old was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia after Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton suffered a groin injury.

He returns to the fold for the first time in six years, with his last call-up coming in March 2019, but has the advantage of knowing Tuchel from their days together at Chelsea.

Tuchel used Loftus-Cheek as a right wing-back, central midfielder and central defender and that could stand him in good stead for next summer's World Cup.