England defender Gary Cahill is wary facing Colombia striker Radamel Falcao in their World Cup clash next week.

In England he started a total of just 19 games, only two at Chelsea, and scored just five goals.

Since then, for Monaco and Colombia, he has netted 54 times.

England defender Cahill, a team-mate during his nightmare spell at Chelsea, warned: “Falcao is a top striker, tricky in the box.

“He likes to come off the shoulder of the defender and he's a good finisher. If he gets half a chance he normally hits the target. Everyone's aware of his ability."

Cahill knows what Falcao is capable of when he hits top gear.

“He had a difficult time in England but outside of England he's a very high-profile player," he said.

“He's scored many, many goals. We were on the end of some in the Super Cup, so he's a goalscorer – he's proved that. Although he had a difficult time in England, he showed his character by going on to find his form again."