Cahill may finally get nod in England shuffle
Saint Petersburg – England and Belgium are perhaps better connected than any two countries at the World Cup because of the sheer number of players with Premier League experience but for defender Gary Cahill the link is not a happy one.
Cahill (right), who could start in today’s clash in Group G, was pushed in the back by Belgian winger Dries Mertens during England’s final friendly before Euro 2012. Launched into the shoulder of goalkeeper Joe Hart, Cahill broke his jaw and was ruled out of the tournament.
Six years later, in March, Cahill was on holiday in Dubai after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and he bumped into Mertens in a restaurant.
“He took the time out to come over and apologise for that, which for me was dead and buried, and I actually respected him a hell of a lot for doing that,” Cahill said.
Only six of Belgium’s 23-man squad have not played in England’s Premier League but if the teams are holding back in Kaliningrad it will not be out of politeness.
The winner of the match, and therefore the group, is likely to face a tougher path through the knockout stages, with Germany or Brazil potentially waiting in the quarterfinals.
“The discussions have been to go and win the game and that’s the truth,” Cahill said.
“Both teams are going to make changes.”
Harry Kane will be hoping he is spared the shuffle as he looks to continue his charge towards winning the tournament’s Golden Boot. He sits top of the charts on five.
“Put yourself in his situation, I would want to do the same,” Cahill said.
“Harry has an opportunity to do something that not many people have ever done. So I’m sure he will want to play.”
There is no sign of fatigue in Kane’s blistering start in Russia and he would have three or four days before England’s next game, depending on where they finish.
“We want to keep him fit but we’re not talking about a 60-game season here,” Cahill said. “He’s in good form, he’s banging the goals in. Ultimately, the manager will decide.” –