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Roy Hodgson casts doubt on Ashley Cole's England future

By , Reporter
England manager Roy Hodgson admits that Ashley Cole will have to "sit back" as he battles to secure a place in the team for the World Cup.

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.

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Ashley Cole of England runs with the ball during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group H match between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium on September 6, 2013
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