England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he faces a tough decision over Ashley Cole's place in the team ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Cole has been out of favour at Chelsea this season, with Jose Mourinho choosing to use Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back more regularly than the experienced defender.
Hodgson has dealt a further blow to Cole by suggesting that he is now second choice for his country behind Everton's Leighton Baines.
"For years, people have been understudy to Ashley. Now, it's Ashley's turn to sit back," the England boss told reporters.
"I certainly wouldn't write Ashley Cole out of any plans but he will have to accept, like everyone else, that competition for his place gets stronger all the time. I will have a decision to make."
Cole has been capped 106 times by England.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
