Gary Cahill: Young England stars are playing without fear
Sunday 22 May 2016 16:30, UK
Gary Cahill says the influx of fearless young players into the England squad has made for an exciting blend of old and new for Euro 2016.
Speaking ahead of England's first Euro 2016 warm-up game with Turkey at Manchester City's Etihad stadium on Sunday, Cahill says he has been impressed by the younger and less experienced members of the squad.
The likes of Marcus Rashford and Dele Alli, as well as older but internationally inexperienced players such as Jamie Vady and Danny Drinkwater, have all made their names in the Premier League this season.
Asked what he thought the incoming generation of talent will bring to the table, Cahill said: "I think the mixture that we have in the squad is very good.
"The young lads that have been playing have made a huge impact in the Premier League this season. They're playing without fear, and playing very naturally."
With 41 caps, Cahill falls into the "veteran" category in Roy Hodgson's squad. The Chelsea centre-back is one of only four players to be named in initial 26-man party that has amassed over 40 caps.
"Of course we have a few of the older lads in here, too," he said. "The likes of myself, Joe Hart, [James] Milner, and Wayne [Rooney] obviously stands out as well - so we have that 'ear' to give to the younger lads, we can pass on our advice and experience if they need it.
"I'm very excited. I know we've got some great players here, and from an England player and an England fan's point of view, it's a very good, exciting side."
On the back of their outstanding Premier League campaigns, Leicester and Tottenham supply seven players to the squad and Cahill says they will give the team confidence and belief.
"Of course everyone's situation coming away from the season is different, but when we come together into the England squad, we have the same focus," Cahill said. "But those boys who've had great seasons will be full of confidence and that's fantastic for us."
England have three warm-up friendlies ahead of the first group stage meeting with Russia on June 11. Hodgson must cut three from the 26 players and name his final 23 by May 31.
