Ruben Loftus-Cheek will start for England against Germany on Friday, according to reports.

Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek, who is on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace, received his first senior England call-up last week.

He has been a shining light in the Eagles’ dreadful start to the season. They are bottom of the Premier League.

Gareth Southgate's men kick-off their World Cup preparations against Germany on Friday, and the Press Association says Loftus-Cheek will be handed a starting role.

Brazil arrive at Wembley next Tuesday for the final match of 2017 - a year the Three Lions end without a string of key players.

Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks have all pulled out of the squad through injury, as have Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Fabian Delph.