Chelsea’s Gary Cahill going to World Cup for leadership skills
By Travis Tyler
Weeks ago, the media was questioning if Gary Cahill could make the England World Cup squad. But the Chelsea defender is vital to the makeup of the team.
Many around the world are learning from Leroy Sane’s Germany snub. The 23 players that go to a World Cup for a nation are not always the best 23. Sometimes it is simply about putting together the players that fit best.
In short, that is why Gary Cahill will go to the World Cup with England. Is he the best center back? That is debatable. But the Chelsea defender offers leadership and experience to a squad with little of either. Even if Cahill does not play, he can be important behind the scenes in any run England make.
Wayne Rooney was the captain of England, but he has been phased out. Cahill had been vice captain then, but English manager Gareth Southgate passed over him to hand Harry Kane the armband. Kane got it, primarily, for be England’s best player. But Cahill is still to play a role behind the scenes assisting Kane where need be.
Cahill is a veteran presence. He has been there and done that. In fact, it is likely that he will be one of the oldest players going to the tournament for England. Players will go to him for advice on issues Kane has no experience. Cahill can help to ease tensions among rivals with his steady head.
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But perhaps more importantly, Cahill is one of the biggest winners on the entire squad. Only the longer serving Manchester United players can approach Cahill’s trophy haul. Yes, players such as Harry Kane have won a lot individually. But the World Cup has never and will never be won by an individual. It takes a team effort over seven games and Cahill knows about team efforts to lift silverware.
If England make a deep run, Cahill’s experience lifting trophies will become more and more vital. Silverware is contagious, something few members on the England squad will properly understand. That is why Cahill will be needed to pull the others along.
In addition, Cahill will be needed if Southgate sticks with three at the back all tournament. English players have become more familiar with the system since Antonio Conte made it fashionable again but no player will know it better than Cahill. Whether he starts or not, he will know the strengths and weaknesses of the style.
That could come in handy when facing off against Chelsea teammates Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois. Cahill knows both players well and can help the England squad survive their battle with Belgium. The winner of that match is likely to top the group and have a more favorable round of 16 opponent.
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Cahill’s resilience, something seen time and time again at Chelsea, took him from questions of his inclusion to needing his leadership. Cahill is a fighter and will be one of the masters behind the scenes for England. This is surely his last World Cup. His teammates would do well to learn from his experience while he is still invited to the party.