Bolton defender Gary Cahill has been called up to the England squad for Saturday's friendly with Slovenia at Wembley.

Cahill was drafted into the squad by England coach Fabio Capello after seeing his skipper John Terry and Manchester United defender Wes Brown pick up knocks in training.

The former Real Madrid coach is already without Rio Ferdinand for next Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia and will now be sweating over the fitness of the two centre-backs going into the game.

The FA have released a statement saying both players should be fit for the game in which England can secure World Cup qualification, with Cahill's call-up only a precautionary measure.

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson also sat out the training session with a minor injury but should be fit in time for both games.

Cahill's reputation continues to grow after a string of impressive performances for Bolton last season and he was was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier this season.

The 23-year-old defender has been called up for international duty before and was included by Capello in his squad to face Kazakhstan in July.

The Sheffield-born ace could be in-line for his debut if the Italian coach decides not to risk Terry and Brown with such an important game only three days later.