England in Safe Hands as Leighton Baines Steps in for Ashley Cole

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 7, 2013

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Ashley Cole is one of the best left-backs in world football, but if there is one position in which England can cope with losing a player of that standing, it is at left-back.

Cole will not play in the final two World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland after damaging ribs in Chelsea’s win at Norwich City on Sunday.

Ashley Cole ruled out of England's World Cup Qualifier against Montenegro with rib injury #SSN

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 7, 2013 Cole has been stalked for the England left-back spot for quite some time by Leighton Baines. The Everton man will now get his chance to emerge from the shadows.

Baines has made a blistering start to the season and even before Cole’s injury, there were calls for the Everton defender to be given his chance for the national side.

There are also those who have suggested England should deploy Cole and Baines in the same team, with the former at left-back and the latter in an advanced position on the left-hand side of midfield.

Given the lack of world-class, left-midfield options available to England manager Roy Hodgson, there is merit to such a suggestion.

However, it would have been unfair on Baines to ask him to play out of position for the national side. Even though he would in all probability jump at the chance to play in advance of Cole, Baines is a left-back.

That is his chosen position and he will now get the chance to prove he is worthy of a place in the side.

Comparing Cole and Baines so far this season, the statistics suggest Baines has the edge on Cole.



Also, Baines brings a superb attacking dimension with him. His set-piece delivery is simply superb, which he proved with two free-kick goals in Everton’s win over West Ham earlier in the season.



Despite the statistics suggesting Baines has an edge on Cole in terms of ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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