CHELSEA LEFT-BACK Ashley Cole has announced his retirement from international football after being told he’d been left out of England manager Roy Hodgson’s squad for the World Cup.
“I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players,” the 33-year-old Cole told his Twitter followers.
“We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything,” the 107-times capped Cole added ahead of Hodgson’s official squad announcement on Monday.
Cole’s announcement indicated his failure to hold down a regular first-team spot at Chelsea this season, where he has been displaced by Spain’s Cesar Azpilicueta, had cost him his England career. His omission means that Everton’s Leighton Baines is set to be confirmed as England’s leading left-back when Hodgson unveils his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals, with Southampton teenager Luke Shaw providing cover for the 29-year-old.
“#Baines and #shaw are great players, proved this season, and are the future of this country, it was a pleasure to get #107 caps #eng,” added Cole on Twitter. He followed that up with this:
Ashley Cole / Twitter
Ashley Cole / Twitter / Twitter
Former Arsenal defender Cole made his international debut against Albania in 2001 and has been an England regular ever since, starting every tournament game since his finals bow against Sweden at the 2002 World Cup.
Back in March, Hodgson said he understood he might have to disappoint a “big name” player when it came to selecting his squad for Brazil and Cole fits that bill. Now it appears that the 18-year-old Shaw is set for his first major tournament as an England player despite having just the one cap behind him.
Shaw, according to reports this evening, is the subject of a £27m bid from Manchester United. With Patrice Evra likely to leave the club in the summer, Shaw is seen as a long-term replacement at Old Trafford.
England will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in the group stages of the World Cup which gets under way on June 12.
– Additional reporting by Patrick McCarry
Fair play to him, took it with good grace. Massive call not to take him, still a world class defender although not as dynamic as Baines or Shaw going forward these days.
I would have took him, his experience especially if they make knock outs….. Invaluable….
League ended only a few hours ago and United throwing serious bids around already. Looks like they mean business this transfer window.
They meant business last Sumner too.
Hard luck Ashley but you can’t resign after you’re fired!
Have to agree Gareth, he retires after not getting picked, what if baines r shaw get injured b4 start of World Cup wonder would cole come out of retirement, I think so
He’s refused a place on the standby list
Cole was brilliant. Flawed off pitch..but ain’t they all. Great pro, great player…but think he could have been so much more ;)
Nearly fell out the car door when I heard
Ben Davies had a better season than Shaw imo, but since Shaw is English he’s hyped to the last.
Ben Davies becomes a super star in Football Manager, for that reason along if love to see my club sign him!
Ashley turf has been a great servant to england and looks like hes been left out in the coled
What an absolutely rubbish attempt at a pun sort yourself out Mr.McGuinness
Bob, season over, lighten up man. ;)
I assume the Liverpool mob think Luke Shaw is now shit and was never and will never be a good player because he’s signed for Manchester United.
Well this one doesn’t, I think he looks a good player in the making and I wouldn’t mind at all if Liverpool were in for him, but at 27 million pounds your welcome to him. Too much money for Liverpool to take a risk on an 18 year old left back.
Sorry bob. Forgive me. Brian…agh em…lighten up man. ;)
Bringg cole to anfield. Dont believe what you hear about the money utd have to spend either. Seemingly 50 mil max according to reliable source.
What source? Your imagination?
Sorry eamon. 250 mil to spend.
Cole was always the one English player to perform at the big tournaments. Ridiculous not to bring him considering how fresh he’d be