Jose Mourinho: England star Gary Cahill not first choice

London: Jose Mourinho has suggested John Terry may have retired too early from England duty as he confirmed Gary Cahill, the Englishman’s international replacement, is behind him in the Chelsea pecking order.

Terry ended his national service 13 months ago, shortly before the FA found him guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. Cahill has cemented a starting role under Roy Hodgson, but Mourinho prefers Terry alongside David Luiz. It means Cahill must come down from the euphoria of sealing England’s place in Brazil to a spot warming the bench.

“If I was a football player, I would wait for the national team to say: ‘We don’t need you anymore’,” said Mourinho ahead of Saturday’s home game against Cardiff. “But that’s just my personal feeling. I’d wait, for sure. But he had reasons to push him for that decision.”

Mourinho distanced himself from advocating a reunion, however.

“If Roy and him decide to do that, Jose and Chelsea will never put something against that,” he said. “But it’s up to them. I’m not in favour or against.”

Mourinho claimed it made him sad to overlook Cahill’s international form, but insisted his priority would always be club over country.

“I don’t enjoy leaving good professionals on the bench, but that’s life,” said Mourinho. “I trust Gary. I want to help him, not make his life difficult. I would never do something that could jeopardise his selection for the national team. But at this moment John and David are playing well and giving stability.

“The most important thing is Chelsea. The second thing is the players. The third thing is the national team. That has to be my ranking. But all three can work together.”

Luiz is now settled at the club after a difficult start under Mourinho. He was wanted by Barcelona in the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge and now gets on well with his Portuguese boss.

Mourinho also revealed that Fernando Torres has recovered from a knee injury sustained at the start of this month, predicting that goals will soon come for the Spaniard.

“He was very proactive against Tottenham, very dynamic, the best people had seen for quite a long time,” said Mourinho. “The fact he recovered so well from his injury is not about the medical department, but his feeling. He wants to be back. He’ll come back good. He will score.”