Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe

Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek was called up by Gareth Southgate to the England national team for the first time.

Eden Hazard has hailed the 21-year-old who was named in the starting lineup to face Germany in an international friendly.

“He’s a great guy,” said the Belgian international in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Mexico. “Top player. Still young. I had the chance to train with him, play with him sometimes.”

Hazard then wished Loftus-Cheek well for the game.

He said: “He’s a good talent and I hope for him he’ll do good for the game.”

Loftus-Cheek is on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace and has been impressive for Palace despite them being bottom of the table.