England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has a real fight on his hands to make his World Cup 2014 squad.
Hodgson, who is preparing to pick his side for two international friendlies before the big competition, has admitted that Southampton’s Luke Shaw could make his Summer team if he keeps on impressing, and due to Cole not getting regular game-time at his club, it could see him lose his place in the squad alltogether.
Everton’s Leighton Baines will also be vying for the left-back spot and another outside may be Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs, who has had a very impressive season for The Gunners.
“For years people have been understudy to Ashley. Now it’s Ashley’s turn to sit back,” said Hodgson.
“It’s a bit of a problem when you are a full-back – you either play or you are an understudy,” Hodgson continued.
“We know what Ashley can do. We know how fit he keeps himself, how experienced he is.
“I certainly wouldn’t write Ashley Cole out of any plans because he wasn’t playing in his club team.
“But he will have to accept like everyone else that competition for his place in the club team and international team gets stronger all the time, and I will have a decision to make.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
