Gary Cahill says his last-ditch clearance 'felt like a goal'

Tuesday 09 Sep 2014
Cahill says his block 'felt like a goal'
Gary Cahill said his brilliant last-ditch clearance off the line to deny Switzerland’s Josip Drmic felt like he’d “scored”.

England were leading the hosts thanks to Danny Welbeck’s 58th-opener when Drmic rounded Joe Hart and rolled the ball towards the empty net for what looked a certain equaliser, but the Chelsea defender managed to get back in the nick of time to get his body in the way to preserve the lead.

“Sometimes when you save a goal like that, it feels like you’ve scored one,” Cahill told TheFA.com.

Switzerland 0-2 England

European Qualifier, Group E
Monday 8 September 2014
St Jakob Park, Basel

 


“It was just an off the cuff reaction. As a defender, sometimes it feels as good as goals, and it felt like that.”

And he also had special praise for his goalkeeper. “Joe, in the last two games, when called upon, has produced important saves and he’s been fantastic.

“When Joe was called upon he produced, and we know we have plenty of pace, and tonight we could have had even more.

“The way we kept the ball and created chances, it wasn’t easy. For what was a tough away fixture for us, we got the win.”

Following the Three Lions’ disappointing performance at the World Cup, and the laboured win over Norway at Wembley last Wednesday, Cahill is looking to push on and leave England fans with a smile on their face.

“I don’t think it will be blown away, it’s going to take time, but it’s a great start,” said on the negativity around England following their group stage exit in Brazil.

“The two games are not going to change people’s opinion, but certainly I hope after this it’s not all doom and gloom and there’s a few happy faces.

“I feel we deserve credit for this game, now we look to move forward and I’m looking forward to the next match.”


By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer