stages of Euro 2016, he has spoken about the immediate task in hand against Slovakia.
England need a point to progress and a win will guarantee top spot in Group B, and with much speculation doing the rounds that Wayne Rooney will be rested for tonight’s game, Cahill may captain a side he says are intent on victory.
‘Topping the group gives us the best chance to move forward in this competition and that is our goal,’ Cahill told FATV.
‘We feel that we are good enough to finish top.
‘I have watched loads of games in this tournament and they have all been tough. There’s games like the France one where you think they are going to win it comprehensively and it takes until the last five or 10 minutes to get the result, and it has been like that time and time again.
‘Loads of goals have been scored in the last 10 minutes and that shows how difficult this competition is and it shows how hungry everyone is and I expect nothing less against Slovakia. They are fighting for their lives and they need to get a result to stay in this competition and we expect a tough game.’
Slovakia have former Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch in their squad. He was an unused sub in their win over Russia having come on during the defeat by Wales. England have a point more than tonight’s opponents having followed up a draw with Russia by winning late on against the Welsh.
‘We felt hard done by in the first game because we played so well but football can be cruel at times and I thought we got what we deserved at the end of the Wales game,’ said Cahill .
‘The performance deserved the win, although it came late. It was thoroughly enjoyable. The main thing was getting the win but the way it happened was special.
‘We have got ourselves in a position now where it is in our hands and we know we have to win and hopefully we will fly out the traps.’