Gary Cahill’s resilient season continues as Gareth Southgate appointed him England’s captain for the international break. Cahill proved to Southgate that he “knows what’s needed to win” as England’s rebuild starts in earnest.
As Gary Cahill rises in prominence for club and country, he is keen to stress that he is his own man while acknowledging the people who have helped him along the way. Cahill acknowledged the role that Antonio Conte has had in his re-emergence this season. He also pointed to John Terry’s influence, and how Terry’s legacy goes far beyond whoever is wearing the armband.
The England captaincy is in a transition period, much like the Three Lions as a whole. Gareth Southgate downplayed the role in recent weeks, particularly as news of Wayne Rooney’s exclusion broke.
Southgate expects the whole squad to provide the characteristics normally associated with the captain. Even so, he acknowledged Cahill’s attributes that led to his decision.
"[H]e’s one of the players in the squad who knows what’s needed to win… This season in particular he is growing in confidence and stature, showing real confidence on the ball. His experience sometimes is overlooked in terms of what he brings because he goes quietly about his job. – Evening Standard"
Cahill said that he and Southgate have had detailed conversation about Southgate’s vision and tactics. Whatever Southgate has in store for the position of captain, Cahill will play a large part in implementing that vision and instilling it in the squad. For this, he has the example of what John Terry has done at Chelsea.
"I never thought for one minute, or will ever think, that I’m replacing him…. It’s one of those situations where you have to separate yourself from it. The way that I prepare, the way that I play, the way that I like to speak to the lads or manage situations is the way that I do things. – Evening Standard"
Earlier in the season, both Terry and Cahill seemed set to be exiting the club, one as a legend and one simply moving on to the next stop. Instead, Cahill is in position to challenge much younger and more skillful players for Chelsea’s starting XI next year. Coming off a season as captain where he adapted to a new system and had his best-scoring season at Chelsea, the centre-back slot is his to lose.
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Cahill will have much more competition at Chelsea than at England. In both situations, though, his leadership provides an attribute that younger, faster players lack. That worked in John Terry’s favour long enough to give him several bounce-back seasons until time finally caught up with him. Among the lessons learnt this season: never count Gary Cahill out.