Gary Cahill is tipped to succeed Chelsea team-mate and defensive partner John Terry as England’s number centre-back and should lead the Three Lions’ back four in Brazil, in the eyes of Chelsea legend Ron Harris.
Chelsea defender Cahill, 28, was one of Chelsea’s key players last season and formed an important part of the strong defensive backbone that stood Chelsea firmly as the top defensive side, conceding the fewest goals – just 27 – in the Premier League.
Cahill enjoyed exceptional form and played the full 90 minutes in 44 out of Chelsea’s 53 games in all domestic and European competitions.
The 24-times capped England player should be the natural successor to former Three Lions defender and captain Terry as the number one centre-back, according to ex Blues captain Harris.
Harris, 69, is Chelsea’s all-time highest featured player and is known as one of the toughest British defensive players in history, famous for his often brutal tackles on legendary forwards including late Manchester United hero George Best.
In his view, Cahill is the best man to lead the Three Lions back-line against the world’s top strikers of today in the Brazil World Cup tournament.
He told Football Express News: “Chelsea was the best team defensively in the league this last season and Gary Cahill was one of the stand-out players. He’s just got better and better with every game.
“Now John Terry has retired from the England squad, Cahill should be the man to take over the number one spot and lead the back four in the England set up in Brazil.”