Gary Cahill says that with the World Cup approaching his fine run of form is coming at just the right time - but he remains focused on the task at hand with Chelsea.
The England defender turned in an outstanding performance in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory against the Premier League champions on Sunday.
Cahill played a part in two of Samuel Eto’o’s three goals, and kept Manchester United’s strikers at bay for the majority of the match - all in front of England manager Roy Hodgson.
Speaking after the game, the 28-year-old said that performances such as the one he had witnessed - both individual and collective - could only be positive as the World Cup approaches.
Gary Cahill celebrates Chelsea's second goal against Manchester United
“I’m pleased with how things are going for me personally,” he told TheFA.com.
“I’m working hard in training, working hard on my game and at the moment I’m delighted.
"We’ve kept a lot of clean sheets this season and we’re defending well as a team. So personally I’m very happy with the way things are going.
“You always think about the World Cup, you know it’s around the corner and it’s always something to look forward to. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it, of course you do.
“But at this moment in time it’s all about Chelsea and getting results at club level and hopefully that will be enough to get me there.
“I’ve never been to a major tournament with England so it’s something I really really want to achieve”
Gary Cahill
“Just like everyone else in the squad I’m playing week in week out trying to impress the England boss and if you’re blessed to be on that plane it’s amazing. I’ve never been to a major tournament with England so it’s something I really really want to achieve.”
Cahill’s extended run of form coincides with an exceptional spell for Chelsea.
The Blues have won each of their last six games and have not lost in the league since a 3-2 defeat at Stoke at the beginning of December.
And Cahill, who signed for Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in January 2012, has been a key figure for Mourinho’s side throughout – completing 90 minutes in all but one of the six victories.
He added that since completing his move to south-west London and securing a regular starting berth in the Chelsea team, he has improved significantly.
“Certainly I’ve improved since I came to Chelsea," said Cahill. “But I also know there are always things to work on and improve further.
"But being at this club has definitely improved me as a player and to play 90 minutes and to play regularly is what it’s all about – thankfully I’m doing that so hopefully it continues.”
