Cole will sit out Poland’s visit to Wembley.
As expected Chelsea ace Ashley Cole will miss England’s second World Cup qualifier on Tuesday against Poland with a rib injury.
The defender was absent from Friday’s match with Montenegro after picking up the problem whilst playing for the Blues.
Everton star Leighton Baines filled in and impressed, so the blow of Cole sitting out will be somewhat cushioned.
The 32-year-old has been ever-present for the national team for the past decade, but has perhaps slightly dropped in form this term.
That being said the left-back is still one of the few players in the Three Lions side that possesses genuine world-class ability.
Cole is a member of the exclusive 100-caps club along with national captain Steven Gerrard and is likely to be one of the most capped players in the country’s history.
However, with Baines in such fine form of late there has been calls from some sectors for the 29-year-old to be given the position on the left side of defence on a permanent basis.
England’s impressive 4-1 win over the Montenegrins means that victory on Tuesday will guarantee a spot at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
If the nation is to make it to the tournament, it is likely to be Cole’s swansong on the international stage, as the full-back is now in the Englishman’s twilight years of a decorated career.
COMMENTS