Loftus-Cheek ready for England start

Posted Saturday, June 16, 2018 by Skysports.com

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he will be ready to play in England's first World Cup match against Tunisia if manager Gareth Southgate calls upon him.

The Three Lions begin their campaign on Monday with a tricky test in Group G against Tunisia in Volgograd.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek - who has just four caps for his country - feels the squad are in good shape.

"Training has always been top level," he said. "No matter if it's at a World Cup or not, training's been really good and at a high level.

"We're looking forward to the first game and I'm sure whoever starts will be ready and whoever is on the bench will be ready as well."

This is Loftus-Cheek's first senior tournament with England, having represented his country at youth level since the age of 16.

Ahead of England's opener against Tunisia, who are currently ranked 21st in the world, he remains confident his side are ready for the challenges that lie in front of them.

"Any game in the World Cup is a tough game," he added. "The atmosphere brings a lot out of both teams so we're ready for a tough game and an aggressive start from them so we just need to be ready.

"I think the pressures of playing at a World Cup, the pinnacle of football, I imagine it can get to some players.

"But I feel with this group everything is relaxed, confident, everyone looks ready. We're training well, we're ready, so I'm personally really confident about the team and this World Cup."