Gary Cahill is determined to compensate for missing out on Euro 2012 with a broken jaw by winning more silverware with Chelsea next season.
Cahill began pre-season training this week having recovered from the double fracture to his jaw which prevented him from playing in Poland and Ukraine.
The centre-back sustained the blow in England’s pre-tournament friendly against Belgium when Dries Mertens pushed him into goalkeeper Joe Hart. He was expected to start next to John Terry in Roy Hodgson’s first XI at Euro 2012 but had to watch Joleon Lescott play there instead.
Cahill, 26, who helped Chelsea win the Champions League Final and FA Cup in May, admits it was a devastating blow but is looking to put it behind him.
Speaking for the first time about the incident, he said: “When the collision took place I felt my bottom jaw go out and come back in. I would have been amazed if nothing bad had happened to me.
“I remember going for the X-ray thinking it would take a miracle for nothing to show up. Unfortunately that was the case and it was shocking timing.
“It was the last game before the Championships and I was about 60-70 minutes from making sure I was on the plane. It was a nightmare. My jaw is all right now. I had all the stuff out last week — the metal plates were in my mouth, elastic-banded up so it was all kept in position.
“It was like that for two weeks but it’s behind me now and I’m looking forward to a good season.”
