8 Defenders That Will Be In Roy Hodgson's Provisional England Squad (And 1 That Won't)

8. Gary Cahill

Caps: 22 Goals: 2 The Chelsea man has enjoyed an excellent season for his club and is now regarded as one of England's most important defenders. The Blues' defence have conceded the fewest league goals of all 20 teams this campaign and Cahill has further developed his partnership with John Terry. With the latter now in international exile, the former Bolton defender will be expected to lead England's back line in Brazil and be the rock upon which Hodgson builds the rest of his team. Cahill will be desperate to stay fit ahead of this summer's tournament, having missed out on a place at Euro 2012 due to injury. The defender alluded to his desire to play a big part in the World Cup in a recent interview, stating "The chance to play in the World Cup is a big incentive to me...I've not been to a major tournament yet so I'm hoping to be on the plane." As long as the ex-Bolton defender can stay injury free then there is no doubt that he will be in the first eleven for the opening group match.