Ruben Loftus-Cheek's ego got the better of him over Chelsea future, believes Tony Cascarino

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s ego might have got the better of him when he decided to stay at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Despite his obvious ability – and potential – Loftus-Cheek has struggled to make the match day squad under Maurizio Sarri, let alone the starting line-up, and he was dropped from the England squad for the games at Croatia and Spain.

All of this comes after 12 months which seemed to act as a breakthrough for the 23-year-old. Loftus-Cheek played regularly on loan at Crystal Palace and was a part of England’s World Cup squad in Russia.

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Rather than look for a move away from Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek decided to try and force his way into the side and Cascarino says that was a mistake.

“Well Gareth wants to go along the lines of if you’re not playing first-team football you’re not going to be selected,” Cascarino told Yahoo Sport presents: The Football Show.

“Now I did an audience with Roy Hodgson at the end of last season I chatted privately to Roy and he was so upbeat about Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He said this boy has the lot – he’s 6ft3, fantastic composure, gift on the ball. The more he played for Crystal Palace, the better he got.

“I wish he had stayed at Crystal Palace, because the manager loved him, he would have played regularly.

“He’s chosen to go back to Chelsea and it’s always a tough decision. Sometimes your ego gets the better of you and you think you can force your way in. He hasn’t been able to do that and he won’t play.”