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Ruben Loftus-Cheek says England can become a world-class team

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek is keen to model his own game on Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets

Ruben Loftus-Cheek believes England have the potential to become one of the best teams in world football under Gareth Southgate.

England finished fourth at the World Cup in Russia but have largely struggled to beat the world's strongest teams in recent years - poor form that continued with a 2-1 loss to Spain on Saturday.

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Southgate insists it will take time for England to develop into a possession-based side but Loftus-Cheek believes the team are well on the way to becoming one that is capable of competing for major honours.

"I think we definitely have that potential," said the 22-year-old ahead of Tuesday night's Sky Live friendly against Switzerland in Leicester. "We have to have that belief to try and change things around.

"We are in this transition phase at the moment where we want to become one of the best teams in the world - up there with Spain, France and Germany.

Jesse Lingard v Spain
Image: England lost 2-1 to Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday

"We want to compete with them and dominate football.

"We are in this transition phase where we want to have it mentally in our heads that we are one of the best teams in the world.

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"It is that belief to have the courage to play in tight areas and try and play football rather than just going long. It takes time but we are working towards it."

Loftus-Cheek was an unused substitute during the defeat to Spain and the Chelsea midfielder was particularly impressed with the work of Sergio Busquets in the UEFA Nations League opener.

 during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Image: Loftus-Cheek believes England have the potential to be a world-class team

"His frame doesn't look like a frame [of a footballer], he is tall and gangly, but he's so sharp in his mind," said Loftus-Cheek.

"He knows what he wants to do next, his technique - he looks like he has so much time on the ball.

"He takes two touches or one touch and he makes it look so easy. If a fast and strong player had that as well, you could dominate."

England v Switzerland
England v Switzerland

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