Chelsea’s first-team internationals return, some to an uncertain future
By Ben Croft
England: Gary Cahill
Cahill played the full 90 minutes and had very little to do as Slovakia largely found themselves on the back foot. He partnered John Stones in defence and looked very comfortable all afternoon.
With Marcos Alonso and David Luiz arriving on deadline day, Cahill’s place in the team is shaky at best. He will have fierce competition to earn one of Chelsea’s two centre-back slots. If Conte makes the switch to a back three, however, Cahill might find himself comfortably in the lineup.
Related Story: Chelsea vs. Swansea City: Predicted 4-1-4-1 lineup
France: N’golo Kante
Kante completed 90 minutes for Les Bleus as the Euro 2016 finalists drew 0-0 with Belarus. Didier Deschamps and his side endured a very frustrating night. The French overwhelmed possession and had 23 attempts to Belarus’ 3, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
N’Golo Kante played a deep-lying role next to Paul Pogba in a 4-2-3-1. He went unperturbed in his deep-lying role, so he will return to Chelsea fresh and hungry for competition. He will no doubt continue to power the Blues’ squad for 90 minutes at a time as Chelsea enters a crucial patch of games.
must read: N'Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea's tale of two midfielders
Serbia: Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic captained Serbia for the 90 minutes as they drew 2-2 at home to the Republic of Ireland.
Similar to Cahill, Ivanovic’s place in the team is increasingly under threat. His lack of pace and impetus going forward could force Conte to restore Azpilicueta to his favoured right-back position with Marcos Alonso taking over at left-back.
Next: Chelsea vs. Swansea City: Four things to watch for
Before the David Luiz signing, this would have left Ivanovic and Cahill competing for the centre-back spot alongside John Terry. However, that spot appears reserved for the bushy-haired Brazilian, leaving Ivanovic and Cahill with adjacent seats on the bench.