Cahill called into England squad

02 September 2009 14:45
Cahill has been called up as cover for defensive duo Wes Brown and John Terry who have picked up "minor knocks" in training. While the 23-year-old is not exactly a new face to Capello after being called up for the qualifier in Kazakhstan last June, news that both Brown and Terry have problems will be a worry given England tackle Croatia in a crucial World Cup qualifier on September 9. Rio Ferdinand is already missing with a thigh injury, which makes Terry's presence even more important, while Brown might have been challenging for the second central defensive berth or right-back, where he won the last of his 21 caps in Belarus 11 months ago. The fact neither man has been forced to withdraw is a positive sign and FA officials were relaxed about the injury situation on Wednesday afternoon. However, Capello will not want to take any chances with either man and Terry in particular would not be risked against Slovenia if it put his participation against Croatia in doubt, with a victory against Slaven Bilic's men enough to seal a place at South Africa 2010. After having a full turn out in training on Tuesday, a third player has suffered a minor problem, although Paul Robinson's unspecified injury is not thought to be serious either.

Source: Team_Talk