Ruben Loftus-Cheek can be a 'top player' for England, says Roy Hodgson

Ruben Loftus-Cheek in action for England against Germany at Wembley

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Ruben Loftus-Cheek can be a "top player" at international level because he has no weaknesses in his game.

England manager Gareth Southgate picked the Chelsea loanee in his 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Russia after his impressive performances for the Eagles helped them avoid relegation.

The 22-year-old midfielder was named man-of-the-match when England drew 0-0 with world champions Germany in November, and Hodgson believes he will excel in international football.

Speaking to The Times, he said: "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 Ruben 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."

Jack Wilshere has made 34 appearances for England

Loftus-Cheek took his place in the squad at the expense of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who later insisted he could have made an impact for England in Russia.

Hodgson, who managed England at Euro 2012 and at the 2014 World Cup, says Wilshere is unlucky to have missed out.

"He has been unlucky because there are players who have blossomed and done well in his absence," Hodgson 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."