Ruben Loftus-Cheek runs the show for England against Germany at Wembley as rookies stake World Cup claim
The 21-year-old made his debut for the Three Lions amongst a host of debutants as Gareth Southgate fielded an experienced side against Joachim Low's men
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ENGLAND’S rookies staked a late claim for a World Cup spot — led by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Chelsea loanee was among five debutants as Gareth Southgate named the most inexperienced Three Lions side for 37 YEARS.
They repaid his faith by holding world champions Germany to a draw.
Loftus-Cheek, who won Man of the Match, said: “To go to the World Cup, it’s a long season and I’ll look to improve — I have to keep learning but, hopefully, there’s a chance.”
Jordan Pickford and Tammy Abraham joined Loftus-Cheek as starters winning their first cap.
Fellow rookies Joe Gomez and Jack Cork also made debuts off the bench.
But Loftus-Cheek, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, was the star of the show at Wembley.
He looked right at home with a gutsy and creative display in the middle of the park.
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The 21-year-old added: “I’m happy. It was a tough game against a good Germany.
“The age in the squad was good for us. I certainly learned a lot.
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“The manager just said do your best. I had Gareth for three years in the Under-21s so it wasn’t such a new thing.”
Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas added: “If Southgate wanted any selection problems, then he has been given one by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
“At the top end of the pitch, he makes things happen and looks like our most confident player on the ball that we have in midfield.
“It was a really assured performance. It was his debut and it was and a fantastic one.”
Defenders Harry Maguire and Kieran Trippier also made home debuts as Southgate named a first XI with just 101 caps between them.
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, captain for the match, said: “We did well. I thought Germany didn’t really hurt us on any occasion.”
Swansea striker Abraham missed a golden chance to score in the opening minutes.
And Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard could have won it deep in injury time when he lashed an effort over the bar with the last kick of the game.
Dier added: “We had periods we controlled it — we’re disappointed we haven’t scored.”
