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Ruben Loftus-Cheek had an impressive loan spell with Crystal Palace that earned him a spot in England’s World Cup team.
England boss Gareth Southgate is confident of Loftus-Cheek’s ability as the 22-year-old made his World Cup debut against Panama having come on as a substitute.
Eden Hazard has admitted he isn’t surprised about Loftus-Cheek’s quality and admitted that he doesn’t want the towering midfielder on the pitch when Belgium and England lock horns in the final Group G game on June 28.
“For the last five years we have trained together and he’s a top player,” Hazard said. “He’s strong, he’s quick with the ball.
“I don’t want him to play against Belgium because I know in the midfield he is very strong.
“I’m not at all surprised that he has got into the England team.
“He has a lot of quality and if he is there, it’s because he deserves to be.
“He is still young and the future is good for him.”