Tim Cahill admits it was very hard to miss the England clash but was left impressed by the way the Caltex Socceroos performed against the big stars of the EPL.
With the clash falling outside a FIFA window, Cahill was one of a host of Asian-based Socceroos to miss the 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Caltex Socceroos go down to England
The 36-year-old had lobbied the president of his club side Hangzhou Greentown to be released for the match but with two big Chinese Super League games for the club, it didn’t happen.
While disappointed not to have had a crack at Roy Hodgson’s troops, Cahill believes the side added to their burgeoning reputation under coach Ange Postecoglou.
“The performance was amazing. We showed that we dominated the game in the first half,” he told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
“We definitely troubled England and it shows the philosophy of football that Ange wants us to play is working and we’re progressing week in, week out.
“I was really proud of the boys but more importantly it just puts a little emphasis on all the work we’ve been doing the last couple of years under Ange and the style of football we want to play. I was really impressed.”
It would have been interesting to see what the result could have been against England had Cahill been available.
While the some of the Socceroos build-up play was sensational, it lacked a focal point in the front third to capitalise on their chances.
With 47 international goals from just 89 appearances to his name, there is no one better in a Green and Gold shirt at finding the net than Cahill.
He is happy to remain the side’s main man but is confident the next generation of goal-scorer isn’t far away.
“One of the biggest plus signs was seeing Jamie Maclaren do so well in the A-League and then getting the opportunity against one of the top teams in the world,” Cahill said.
“It’s all about progression but the main thing is games and when you have a lot of games under your belt and consistently score goals, when it comes to the national team the boss will play you.
“It’s about backing yourselves because there was a few chances against England which could have been taken.
“The talents coming, it’s just going to take time.”
Asked if some of the emerging Socceroos strikers need to be a bit more selfish, Cahill said: “The main thing for the striker is to be in the areas that if the people are crossing, you can reward their cross.
“And if you’re not, you shouldn’t be on the pitch because your job is to score goals.
“It’s clear and simple the way the boss wants us to play, the goals are there if you’re going to be ruthless yourself.”
