Gary Cahill is fighting fit for the clashes with Slovenia and next week’s trip to Scotland – and he has one eye on breaking a Three Lions record.
England have recorded six successive clean sheets four times in their history, the latest run being in 2006, but Cahill and his fellow defenders have their eyes fixed on achieving that feat again in their upcoming matches.
Having recorded consecutive shut outs against Costa Rica, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino and Estonia, Cahill is pleased to have bounced back after the criticism following their World Cup exit.
England v Slovenia
European Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 15 November
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
www.TheFA.com/tickets
“We are very proud and pleased with the last five games because we felt, as a group, we needed to tighten up after the summer,” said Cahill at St. George’s Park on Tuesday.
“We had some criticism so it was important we tightened up and we will look to build on it on Saturday.”
He continued: “Everyone has bought into how we want to play and we've changed shape slightly. It's not just down to the back four, but also the goalkeeper and the players who work very hard in front of us – we needed everyone to chip in and that's how we've done it.”
Despite missing training this morning, the Chelsea says added that he will be ready for kick off at Wembley for Saturday’s Euro 2016 qualifier – and says he is now in full “international mode” after an impressive start to the season in the Premier League.
“It's just a minor hip thing. I will train on Wednesday and prepare for the weekend,” said Cahill.
“It's good to be here on the back of a good result [with Chelsea], but now I've switched into international mode and am preparing for England games.
“We want to continue how we've been doing so far in qualifying.”
One man trying to break into Roy Hodgson’s backline alongside Cahill is Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne.
The right-back was an unused member of the squad for the last two qualifiers, but despite seeing no action, he is enjoying his time on international duty.
“It's brilliant for me to be here and play with the lads. I think I've settled in well and I'm looking forward to playing and getting into the team,” Clyne said.
“I know lot of the players here and that will help, but it will be hard to break into the team because we've kept a lot of clean sheets and been on a good run since the World Cup. I'm ready to play for England in any game.”
