World Cup

Antonio Conte: 'Chelsea's Gary Cahill deserves spot in England World Cup squad'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 28 April 2018

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says that Gary Cahill deserves a place in England's World Cup squad, despite not always playing the centre-back this season.

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has said that England can only benefit from Gary Cahill's experience at this summer's World Cup.

Cahill is expected to be England's most-capped outfield player in Russia, but the centre-back is not guaranteed a starting role due to finding himself in and out of the Blues team this season.

However, Conte has claimed that the 32-year-old deserves a place in the side and can only have a positive influence on the rest of the group.

At a press conference, the 48-year-old told reporters: "In this moment he's deserving to play, because he's playing well. 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.

"I think that Gary is deserving to play. To play and then 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. I think he's a really good, important manager."

Cahill has made 21 starts in the Premier League this season.