Ruben Loftus-Cheek said he is ready to start England’s second Group G match at the World Cup against Panama if Dele Alli is ruled out through injury.
Alli picked up a thigh strain in England’s 2-1 win over Tunisia on Monday and his fitness is being monitored ahead of the trip to Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday. Loftus-Cheek played the last 10 minutes of England’s opening match, during which period Harry Kane scored a stoppage-time winner, and he said he is ready to be part of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up if called upon.
“I am happy if I start or if I don’t “I will be ready to come on again if I get the opportunity.” Loftus-Cheek said in an interview on England’s official YouTube channel.