As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Hoddle backing Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek for World Cup

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has tipped Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek to go to the World Cup.

The Three Lions are in the process of narrowing down their squad for the tournament that starts in November in Qatar.

Manager Gareth Southgate will have a selection headache in several positions, with Hoddle adding to the calls for Loftus-Cheek to be on the plane.

Speaking on BT Sport before Chelsea's win over RB Salzburg on Tuesday in the Champions League, he said: "I would [like to see him], I think he's found a position for himself deeper in the pitch.

"He isn't a 10, he went to Fulham on loan, he didn't score enough goals but I think he's playing deeper. The main thing for him is the manager believing in him, putting his hat on him saying 'I believe in you as a player' and you can see it in his performances, the confidence is there.

"He's trying to pass quicker, he's looking to drive with the ball. I just think he knows the manager fancies him and given him a boost of confidence. He's got the attributes and there's no pressure on him to score goals, just to be apart of the build-up, I think he's done exceedingly well and will go in Gareth Southgate's squad."

Video of the day:

About the author

Ansser Sadiq

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free