Welcome back to The High Ground—a football newsletter that’s as inviting as scoring an open goal.
England’s latest squad announcement didn’t just shuffle the deck. It tore up old narratives. Two names stood out — not because they were expected, but because they represent football’s cruel timelines and glorious comebacks.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, once the crown jewel of Chelsea’s academy, now a hardened Serie A midfielder rediscovering his prime under Massimiliano Allegri.
Djed Spence, Tottenham’s reborn full-back, written off as a wasted talent, now on the brink of making history for England.
Call them redemption arcs, call them overdue recognition. What matters is this: both are in the England squad, and both could play bigger roles than anyone imagined.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: England’s Forgotten Midfield Titan
It’s been seven years since Loftus-Cheek last played for England. That 2018 appearance felt like the start of something inevitable. Instead, it became the pause button on an international career that looked destined for more.
Why now?
Thomas Tuchel knows him. He trusted Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea, where the midfielder’s ability to glide past markers and arrive late in the box was priceless. With Adam Wharton ruled out, Tuchel has turned to someone he doesn’t need to teach — just unleash.
The numbers back it up:
At AC Milan (2023/24 season), per FBref/StatsBomb, he was in the:
91st percentile for touches in the opposition box among Serie A midfielders.
85th percentile in ground duels won — no longer just a silky ball-carrier, but a physical presence.
10 goals in 40 appearances — modest, but significant for a midfielder who has battled injuries and reinventions.
Loftus-Cheek’s game has matured. He’s not the raw, free-running prospect of 2018. He’s a tactically disciplined, battle-hardened operator who can shift between midfield roles without fuss.
High Ground verdict: For a squad chasing flexibility, Loftus-Cheek is a Swiss Army knife. He might not start, but he could finish games — and in tournament football, that might matter most.
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Djed Spence: From Exile to England
If Loftus-Cheek is a comeback, Spence is a resurrection. A year ago, his career was in limbo. Loan spells, bench time, criticism from Neil Warnock and Antonio Conte — he was painted as a lost cause.
Now, he’s starting regularly for Tottenham, one of the most exciting full-backs in the league, and about to make his England debut.
The turnaround in numbers:
Since December, he’s played 90 minutes in 19 of Spurs’ last 22 matches (BBC). In that time:
71.2% tackle success rate — elite among Premier League defenders.
3.6 dribbles attempted per 90, 1.9 successful — best among full-backs
(Opta Analyst).
4.9 progressive carries per 90 — second only to Kyle Walker-Peters
(Opta Analyst).
Not just a defender. Not just a runner. A complete modern full-back.
And then there’s the history: Spence could become the first practising Muslim to represent England’s men’s senior team. That’s bigger than football — it’s representation on the highest stage.
High Ground verdict: For England, Spence isn’t just depth. He’s an option on both flanks, an injection of pace, and a symbol of what it means to keep believing.
England’s Bigger Picture
England squads are often judged by who’s left out. This one should be judged by who fought their way in. Loftus-Cheek and Spence don’t just add depth — they add stories, versatility, and proof that Tuchel’s England will be about more than reputations.
The new balance:
Player | Path Back | Key Attribute | Role for England |
|---|---|---|---|
Loftus-Cheek | 7 years exiled, reborn in Milan | Versatility, box presence | Wildcard midfielder |
Spence | Written off, Tottenham revival | Elite dribbling, defensive mobility | Full-back disruptor |
High Ground takeaway: England don’t just need the best XI. They need resilience, adaptability, and players who can turn a moment on its head.
Loftus-Cheek brings tactical balance. Spence brings electricity. Together, they bring something England have lacked for years: depth with edge.
This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about timing — and for two players who’ve waited long enough, the timing is finally perfect.
