Antonio Conte believes Gary Cahill’s experience would be an asset for a youthful England side at the summer’s World Cup after the Chelsea captain regained his place in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Cahill, who boasts 58 caps, has endured time on the sidelines with club and country this term with Conte having preferred Andreas Christensen in the middle of his back three and Antonio Rudiger impressing over his first Premier League campaign. The 32-year-old has found opportunities limited at international level too of late and has not represented his country since the qualifying win over Slovenia in October, with England having conceded only once in the five games since.
“At the moment, he deserves to play [for Chelsea] because he’s been doing well,” said Conte, whose lineup will be captained by Cahill at Swansea on Saturday. “He’s in good physical condition. We are talking about an important player with great experience. He has played big competitions. I know that when you have to go to play this competition, the World Cup or European Championships, it’s important to have players with great experience because the pressure will become very strong for everyone.
“Gary deserves to play for Chelsea and to have the chance to go and play in the World Cup. But, at the same time, I have always shown great respect for [Gareth] Southgate. He’s a really good manager and has to make the best decision for the national team. I’m sure he will take the best decision.”
