Gary Cahill welcomes England competition

England defender Gary Cahill has insisted that he welcomes competition for his place in the national team.

Questions have been asked of the 30-year-old's form for Chelsea so far this season, and he faces a fight to keep hold of his place in the England side with Chris Smalling, John Stones and Phil Jagielka also in contention.

Burnley's Michael Keane was earlier called up to the squad as a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson, but Cahill is happy to see such strength in depth.

"Competition... I hear that word every single time I come into an England squad and I expect to hear that word every single time again," he told reporters.

"It's competition all the time. Whether it's club level or international level there's always competition. It's good. It's a great bunch of lads and we're all striving in the same direction.

"[Keane] is another player who's done very well and started the season well to come into the frame. To learn from all the players here will be great for his experience. Obviously we welcome him into the squad."

Keane has also been linked with a move to Chelsea following a positive start to the season at Burnley.