Kevin Kilbane: 'Everton's Leighton Baines is the best left-back in England'

Former Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane believes that Leighton Baines has surpassed Ashley Cole as the best left-back in England.

The Chelsea defender is set to make his 100th appearance for the Three Lions against Brazil on Wednesday in place of Baines, who has started four of the last five matches for Roy Hodgson's side.

"The potential was always there with Leighton when I was with him at Wigan. He has just gone on and shown what a good player he is," Kilbane told the club's official website.

"When he first came to Everton he didn't really play for a while, he was in and out of the team. But since he has got into the side he has had a really good run at it.

"He is amongst the best in the country and he is probably England's best left-back now. I firmly believe that."

Baines has made 28 appearances for the Toffees this season in all competitions, scoring six goals.