England defender Gary Cahill has claimed that having Premier League experience of facing the likes of Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli will aid the team at the World Cup in Brazil.
The Chelsea centre-back is expected to come up against the frontmen during the group stages of the tournament, with England taking on Italy and Uruguay in their first two matches.
Cahill, who has faced both players at club level, believes that having the knowledge of the threat they will pose could work in England's favour.
"I've played against Balotelli and Suarez and some of the other strikers we'll be facing and that helps, certainly," he told The Mirror.
"When you're talking about the key players, the dangerous players, to be aware of them and what they do always helps. If you come up against someone who you've never played against before and know nothing about, sometimes that can surprise you.
"So to know these players is good. And to respect the quality of these players is good as well. I've played against both of them."
England play Italy in Manaus on Saturday before facing Uruguay on June 19.
Steven Toplis
