Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has dedicated his call-up to World Cup to the late Ray Wilkins.

Wilkins, who sadly passed away earlier this year, played a huge part in bringing Loftus-Cheek through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, having guided him through his days as a schoolboy at the club’s Cobham Academy.

The 22-year-midfielder spent last season away from Stamford Bridge with Crystal Palace, where his impressive performances earned him a call-up into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.

And ahead of the Three Lions first clash in Russia tomorrow night, the Loftus-Cheek says it will be Wilkins on his mind when he takes to the field against Tunisia.

“All these games we play here and how far we get, we do it for Ray,” he said.

“He’s been such an icon for Chelsea and the game of football. I think a lot of players will miss him. For sure, we’ll do it for him.”

He continued: “We look forward to the Tunisia game and I am sure whoever starts will do a good job,’ said the 22-year-old.

“We’ve just started to go over tactics, with meetings analysing the first game. I expect there will be a lot more of that in the next couple of days.

“Any game in the World Cup is a tough game. The atmosphere brings a lot out of both teams. We’re ready for a tough game and an aggressive start from them, so we need to be ready.

“I have to be ready if I don’t start the first couple of games. I’m training well and doing everything right. If my opportunity does come along, I’m ready.”