'I have not worked with many players better than Loftus-Cheek'

Considering Hodgson has been working as a manager for some 42 years, that is quite the compliment, but the former England boss is adamant that the Chelsea playmaker is deserving of the praise after shining during a loan spell at Selhurst Park as Palace avoiding relegation this season.

Such was the quialty of his displays that Loftus-Cheek was drafted into the England squad back in November, being named man of the match on his debut against Germany.

Speaking to 'The Times', Hodgson explained that the youngster had been Palace's best player in almost every game this season and expressed his excitement as to how he could go on and develop.

"He has got all the qualities you are looking for in a central midfielder," he explained.

"In the games he has played [at Crystal Palace], he has been almost our best player in every one of them.

"We have Wilfried Zaha of course, but he has certainly been on his coat-tails. I have not worked with many players better than Ruben Loftus-Cheek and what he can be.

"He has the chance to be a really top player at club and international level because he doesn't have any weaknesses."

Loftus-Cheek was handed a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad on Wednesday, edging out Jack Wilshere in the race for a spot on the plane to Russia and whilst Hodgson was delighted to see his former charge included, he expressed sympathy for Wilshere's situation.

"He has been unlucky because there are players who have blossomed and done well in his absence," he added. "But there is no doubt he is a special player. Players who can show that control and eliminate players like Jack can, they are very hard to find.

"I am sorry that he hasn't found a place, but I understand for Gareth he has been quite blessed with the emergence of players like Dele Alli and Loftus-Cheek."