Lewisham’s Loftus-Cheek starts for Three Lions

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lewisham-raised Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts for England in their second Group G game today against Panama.

The midfielder impressed as a substitute in last week’s 2-1 victory over Tunisia and the expectation had been that he would move into Gareth Southgate’s starting 11 with Dele Alli struggling with a thigh injury.

It will be Loftus-Cheek’s second appearance at the finals.

He spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and has indicated he will look to leave Chelsea if he cannot secure first-team football next season.

A victory today would confirm England’s passage into the next round.

They face Belgium on Thursday in a fixture which will determine who tops the group.