“Look, I don’t only call when it’s bad news” – a voicemail Gareth Southgate had always expected to leave for Gary Cahill, having predicted the England defender would ignore his call fearing the worst.
The start of the week has been an anxious time for many England players hoping not to have their World Cup dreams shattered.
Cahill looked like he would be among the high-profile absentees after being overlooked from March’s squad, but improved Chelsea displays were enough to earn him a spot in the 23-man squad.
However, the Blues captain appeared to be expecting bad news – just as Southgate had envisaged.
“Gary Cahill I’d left out of the squad in March and I had a little bet with myself that if I called he wouldn’t pick up,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.
“He didn’t pick up at first and then I left him a message saying ‘look, I don’t only call when it’s bad news’ so that was nice.
“Look, he’s got himself back in the team at Chelsea and has performed well.
“He looks happier in himself and happier in his game, so that was nice to be able to at least let him know that the reason for the call was a good one.”