Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole - England's Left Back - World Cup 2006.
squad no. 3

club: Arsenal
position: Left Back
age: 25
caps: 46
goals: 0

Ashley Cole has had us worried since Christmas with his stubborn refusal to recover from injury.

He's back now and although not looking at his absolute sharpest he is still light years ahead of his competition. Let's hope he can hit top form during the tournament, he is a player who can make a real difference if at his best.

Football England Verdict
Rating: 6.00

Ashley ended up enhancing his reputation and can count his World Cup a success.
His rating is kept down by his stuttering performances in the group games but in the knock out stages he stepped up a few gears and gave two excellent performances.
Didn't show the freedom he enjoys with his club but, then again, who does under Eriksson?

Portugal 0-0.
Football England rating: 7
Another splendid display as England's defence suddenly looked rock solid.

Ecuador 1-0.
Football England rating: 9 (star player)
Ashley was right back to his best in this one. And his best is very good indeed.
Made a critical intervention when racing back to deflect Tenorio's shot onto the bar and won a successon of challenges in the second half.
Very encouraging.

Sweden 2-2.
Football England rating: 5
Steady away really but not imposing himself as much as he could. Hopefully Ashley will step on the gas now it's knockout football.

Trinidad 2-0.
Football England rating: 4
Another uncomfortable afternoon for Ashley and he was almost totally embarrassed when left one on one with Cornell Glen late on.
He did look more eager to get forward though and got into some good positions only to let himself down. Still has time to redeem himself.

Paraguay 1-0.
Football England rating: 5.
A worrying performance. Barely got forward even when we were dominant in the first half and his flank offered the Paraguayans their one attacking route.
Fell over several times and one particularly clumsy fall allowed Paraguay their most dangerous attack.
Plenty of room for improvement.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Cole's Performances and News.