Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has insisted that he never gave up belief that he would make England's squad for this summer's World Cup in Russia.
The 32-year-old's place in Gareth Southgate's plans appeared to be in jeopardy when he was left out of the squad for the warm-up games against the Netherlands and Italy in March - the final call-up before Southgate revealed his 23-man roster for this summer's tournament.
However, improved form at club level saw Cahill fight his way back into contention and he was named in the squad that will travel out to Russia next month when other experienced players such as Joe Hart were left out.
Asked whether he felt as though his hopes of going to the World Cup had ended in March, Cahill told reporters: "No I didn't. I felt like it had taken a knock. Missing out on the squad, especially the last one before you meet up, was kind of a big squad to miss out on.
"I realised that maybe it had taken a little knock and I really had to dig deep and try and perform between then and the end of the season to get myself back in the frame. That is the way it's worked out. Of course last time I was disappointed. There was a lot going at that moment in time and I missed the squad. But I never didn't have the belief that I could make the squad.
"It feels like there is more experience even though it is a younger group than two years ago. Those sort of experiences, reaching the final of the Champions League, the City lads winning the title, things like that - there is more experience there. There is more experience in the bigger games. A lot of the English teams went reasonably far in the Champions League this year. All of these experiences add to being able to handle the pressure at the World Cup.
"I am going there in such a positive frame of mind with no nerves. I'm just excited to go over there. I am desperate for it to be a success and try and make the nation proud. We want to come back after having a good experience in the tournament, which is something that I've missed."
England will begin their campaign against Tunisia on June 18 before taking on Panama and Belgium.
Barney Corkhill
