On Sunday, we’re expecting, with Dele Alli injured, Ruben Loftus-Cheek to start for England, against Panama.
It’s a game that if England win they will progress to the last-16 stage of the competition.
In the opening group game, against Tunisia, Loftus-Cheek came on as a late substitute to produce an outstanding cameo performance.
Having spent a season on loan at Crystal Palace, Loftus-Cheek has benefitted from playing on a more regular basis and many Chelsea supporters are hoping that the midfielder can slot into the Chelsea side next season.
But, just how good can Loftus-Cheek become?
Roy Hodgson, who saw his Crystal Palace team benefit from having Ruben on loan last season, is under no illusions as to what is in store for Loftus-Cheek.
The Daily Mail, carries some quotes from Hodgson that imply Loftus-Cheek can go on to be better than the legend that is Michael Ballack with Hodgson remarking:
‘I’d say he goes by people more than Ballack did. But I think he’s got Ballack’s power and his pace and his strength — he’s definitely got that.
‘But he’s maybe got more strings to his bow than even Ballack had. That’s a bold thing to say, I know, but he’s so good at going past people. He’s got that deceptive turn of pace.”
If Roy, and we’ve no reason to doubt him, has judged Loftus-Cheek accurately then there lies a golden future ahead for both the player and Chelsea Football Club.
But, what are your views on Loftus-Cheek, just how good is he and how good can he become?
Please feel free to drop your views into the comments facility beneath this article.