Ashley Cole Return a Boost for Three Lions
by Richard Farley on Apr 26, 2010 2:27 PM EDT
4 comments
Remember the hand-wringing England supporters have when Ashley Cole suffered his ankle injury? Or, alternatively, the respectful hop from potential England opposition when it seemed the left back might miss the World Cup?
Oh, don't act like you didn't hear it, read it. True, it was a bit weird to see people encouraged by a player injury. At the same time, it was a sign of respect, in a strange way - an acknowledgment of what the Chelsea man means to England.
Well here we are, late April, and Ashley Cole is back, after this weekend's match at Stamford Bridge against Stoke City.
Cole dressed last week at White Hart Lane but did not play. This week he not only played but showed decent fitness, exhibiting his typical willingness to jump into attack, a skill that will be particularly valued this summer, as his overlapping runs allow nominal left-wing Steven Gerrard to cut in without the Three Lions abdicating a presence on in attack on that flank.
Having one of the best seasons of his career before the injury, Cole could end up being the best left back at this summer's World Cup, a boost to the high expectations the England faithful have developed during this cycle.
Amidst months of discussion as to the merits of Leighton Baines, Stephen Warnock, and the in exile Wayne Bridge, it was always probably Cole would be fine. On Sunday, he showed it.
Ashley Cole enjoys many happy returns on the home front | Richard Williams | Football | The Guardian
World Cup 2010 - Cole return boosts England - Yahoo! Eurosport
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There is obviously a
drop off at LB from Cole, isn’t there! When you go from Ashley Cole to Leighton Baines, that is massive. I may not be the biggest Baines fan in the world though. Either way, England can stop wondering if Cole will be back and start to wonder if Capello will pull JT for in form M Dawson. I say no way he does it, but you can’t watch a Chelsea or Spurs match without it being mentioned multiple times.
Agree ...
… that JT is not playing as well as Dawson right now, and I agree that JT will not be pulled for Dawson. At the same time, I think England will be fine … in group stage. There is a distinct lack of striking threats in their group.
In the knock-out stage? They’ll be in trouble.
by Richard Farley on Apr 26, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
too bad he's a douchbag
Not mediocre. Right about average
replying to myself
I have to say that this is one of the least likable English squads that I can remember. Ashley Cole, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand all among the most genuinely jerky guys in the WC. I still like England and will will be rooting for them in almost every match except for their first one, but it’s quite hard to pull for some of these guys. There are exceptions, of course.
Not mediocre. Right about average
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