Ruben Loftus-Cheek keen to follow Rashford's England rise

Ruben Loftus-Cheek admits that the progress of Marcus Rashford this year is an inspiration for the England Under-21s squad.

The Chelsea midfielder and Rashford were both goalscorers in the Three Lions’ impressive 6-1 win over Norway last month, with the Manchester United striker hitting a hat-trick to take England closer to a spot at next summer’s Euro Finals.

And after continuing his goalscoring form at Old Trafford since then, 19-year-old Rashford is now with the senior squad as they prepare to face Malta at Wembley on Saturday, whilst his U21 squad mates are in Aktobe ahead of a crucial Euro qualifier with Kazakhstan.

"He’s a top player and we’re all happy for him that he’s gone with the senior team," said Loftus-Cheek, who also revealed Rashford wished the U21s good luck at St. George’s Park just prior to their long-haul departure for Kazakhstan.

"We were all impressed with him, the way he came into the squad and settled in really quickly. He’s a really nice lad and the way he came over to say good luck to everyone, it was a really nice gesture.

"To have him for that game, even though it was only one game, it really helped us.

"But whatever happens, the strength in the squad is massive and we’re confident.

Loftus-Cheek and his team-mates celebrate with Marcus Rashford, after his goal against Norway in September

"It comes down to what you do with your club and if you can impress with your club, that will give you more chance of getting into the senior squad.

"But doing well at U21 level, the management are watching, so it all helps and you just have to perform to your best and see where it takes you.

"I just have to keep working hard and trying to take my chances when they come."

Of course, the management to which Ruben refers are well known to him, with Gareth Southgate stepping up to take the interim senior manager’s role alongside Steve Holland, who has coached LOftus-Cheek at both Chelsea and with the U21s.

"Gareth and Steve work really well together, so I’m pleased for them and all of the lads are," he admitted.

"Gareth is a terrific coach and Steve too, with him being at Chelsea where he’s won a lot of trophies.

"So for them to go and be with the seniors is a big challenge for them, but I’m sure they’ll do well."

It’s almost exactly a year since Loftus-Cheek scored his first goal for the U21s, in a hard-fought 3-0 win over this week’s opponents in Coventry.

Loftus-Cheek scored his first goal for the U21s against Kazakhstan last October

And the 20-year-old recalls the work they had to put in on that occasion before the goals arrived, and is expecting a similarly tough game on Thursday with a sell-out crowd expected to cheer on the hosts.

"It was quite cagey at first and it was hard to break them down as they were good defensively, kept a good shape and it was hard to play through," he said.

"I remember at half time we were saying not to panic, as we were creating chances so we just had to keep going, keep playing as we were and try not to force anything.

"In the end, the goal came from a set piece and then we got a few more after that.

"It’s a massive game for us, knowing that if we win, we will qualify [for the Euro Finals] so we’re coming into the game going for the three points and we’ll give it everything."

Tickets for the final qualifier with Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Banks's Stadium in Walsall on Tuesday 11 October cost just £1 and are available via the Walsall FC ticket office. More details here.