Cahill called-up to replace Ferdinand
Fabio Capello gives Gary Cahill chance to impress
Also In The News
|
World number two Roger Federer is through to the quarter-finals of the French Open after a marathon five-set encounter against unseeded Tommy Haas. |  |
Tuesday, 02, Jun 2009 09:41
Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has been drafted into the England squad following the withdrawal of Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday after failing to recover from a calf injury, which kept him out of action for three weeks last month.
The Manchester United defender could be back for the game against Andorra next Wednesday.
Cahill has twice been selected for the provisional England squad by coach Fabio Capello, but this is the first time he has made it into the main squad.
"I am really looking forward to the opportunity," Cahill told the FA's official website. " It's come around so quickly that I haven't had the time to take it all in, but no doubt that when I'm sat in the hotel room tonight then it will hit home that I'm actually in the England squad.
"I'm just looking forward to going down there and doing my very best. I'm thankful that I have got the chance and I'm determined to take it with both hands.
"I've had a good season and I've worked really hard. I've been in the provisional squad twice before and then this third time I was included once again, so I'm obviously delighted to get the call. Making the squad is an achievement that I'm very proud of."
Cahill will battle it out with Matthew Upson and Joleon Lesscot for the position alongside John Terry at the heart of the England defence.