England defender Gary Cahill has admitted that he faces a battle to earn a place in the starting lineup of the national side.

The Chelsea centre-back has been selected by Roy Hodgson for the Three Lions' World Cup qualifiers with Moldova on Friday and Ukraine at Wembley next Tuesday.

The 26-year-old missed Euro 2012 due to injury and has admitted that he faces competition for his place in the team.

"It is great to be back involved and now I have the battle to squeeze in the team," said Cahill.

"We have two games coming up now and I am sure whoever is selected will do a good job. It is helpful that John and I know each other's game and it seems to have gone reasonably well when we have played together for club and country, but I thought Joleon had a great Euros and Phil Jagielka has come in and scored against Italy this season.

"The competition is strong and that is only healthy. There is a good spirit in the team, great belief and confidence and fresh players such as Daniel Sturridge and Ryan Bertrand, and Tom Cleverley have come in which is also great."

Chelsea remain unbeaten in the Premier League.