England comment: Cahill snub a mystery
10:42pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in Sport By Liam Chronnell
How? What? Why? That was my, and probably many others’, reaction to finding out Gary Cahill had been left out by Fabio Capello against Switzerland.
The Bolton centre back seemed destined to start after making such an assured debut as a second-half replacement for the injured Michael Dawson in the 4-0 victory against Bulgaria four days earlier.
Cahill certainly didn’t seem out of his depth and, in the final training session on Monday, he lined up alongside Phil Jagielka at the centre of the defence, hinting at a first start in a Three Lions shirt.
And, let’s be honest, Fabio’s options weren’t great: Matthew Upson, who wasn’t even on the bench against Bulgaria, is still having nightmares about his wretched performance against Germany in the World Cup, while Joleon Lescott has played just three competitive matches since March for Manchester City following a knee injury – and they were at left back.
“I don’t think you have to change too much when you’ve won 4-0,” said captain Steven Gerrard before England’s second Euro 2012 qualifier. Quite.
Poor Cahill must be wondering what he has to do to play after his latest snub by Capello. Presumably behave a lot worse off the pitch if Wayne Rooney’s inclusion is anything go by.
Not that the Manchester United striker let the lurid allegations surrounding his private life affect him unduly in the important, yet largely unconvincing, victory against Switzerland’s 10 men.
Rooney ended his 12-month international drought by bagging the game’s opening goal.
I was surprised it had been so long. From what I’ve read, scoring has been the least of his problems.
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