Ferdinand injury hands Cahill shock call

UNCAPPED Bolton defender Gary Cahill yesterday received a surprise England call-up after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of Saturday’s clash with Kazakhstan.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand will miss the World Cup qualifier in Almaty with a calf injury but is in contention to return for the visit of Andorra on Wednesday.

Cahill, 23, has impressed for Bolton since joining from Aston Villa in January 2008, prompting speculation about a move to Arsenal.

The centre-back, who has four Under-21 caps, has moved up the pecking order due to the absence through injury of Everton’s Phil Jagielka, and Tottenham defender Ledley King’s fragile knee.

Meanwhile England midfielder Steven Gerrard has admitted next year’s World Cup finals may be his last shot at the trophy.

“I’ll be 30 when the finals come around,” Gerrard said. “For me, it will be the last chance of doing well at a World Cup. That is a big motivation.”