Ruben Loftus Cheek got his long awaited World Cup start against Panama today.
The midfielder was comfortable without excelling in a game where England absolutely cruised from early on.
He replaced Dele Alli, who is injured but looks set to be fit for the next fixture against Belgium.
It’s hard to say whether RLC will be able to keep his place if Alli returns. Today’s game was such a walkover that it’s hard to judge him on that basis.
Gareth Southgate has said he won’t rotate against Belgium even though the Three Lions are through to the second round, so we will find out next week whether the Chelsea man has forced himself into the first team.
Even if he remains a sub, his impact off the bench has already been proven, and we can expect minutes for him in every game England play in the tournament from now on.
Well done Ruben, you’re making us proud.
