Lampard: “No one” should write off Ashley Cole

Frank Lampard backs Ashley Cole

Talking to The London Evening Standard ahead of England’s upcoming friendlies, Frank lampard has come out in defence of his teammate for club and country – Ashley Cole – amid rumours the left back is falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge, something that could also bring his international career to an end.

The former Arsenal defender was on the bench as Chelsea grabbed a last minuteequaliser from the penalty spot against West Brom at the weekend and Jose Mourinho has said that Cole has a fight on his hands as Cesar Azpilicueta tries to stamp his mark on the position. However, Lampard believes that the 32-year-old still has plenty of life left in him and the public should not write him off just yet.

“No-one should certainly write Ashley off. He’s a fantastic player and for me has been the best in the world over the last decade at left back.

“At Chelsea we have a very full squad with quality players all around and it doesn’t matter what position you’re in, whether it’s Ashley, myself, John Terry or Fernando Torres, there is always competition. The manager is right to use that squad, but it makes no difference – Ashley is and will remain one of the best left backs in the world.

“He’s taken to not playing at Chelsea for the last few games and the challenge fromLeighton [Baines] in the best way. The best players, the ones I know, always take things like this the right way and I’ve had no reason to speak to him about it because he’s trained hard.”

Competition is even fiercer in the England squad as he continues to compete with Everton’s very own marauding left-back, but Lampard believes that people should be positive about the fact England have two ‘world class’ players in that position rather than mulling over the possible end of a career.

“People are talking about Ash sitting on the bench for Chelsea or competing with Leighton, but we should certainly not get on the negative side of it.

“Whatever your position is in the England team, you have to face that and that is what makes his achievements so incredible. Of the 105 caps, he’s started all but one and that’s unbelievable considering he’s had challenges along the way.

“Fair play to Leighton, he’s been performing very well for Everton and when he’s stepped in for England. I just look at it as a positive thing for England the manager to have two left backs and younger ones like Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw standing behind them to play.

“I don’t remember either of them having a bad game for a long time. They’re fantastic players and won’t live or die over these two games, they have too much about them for that and we’re lucky to have them both.”

As long as they are fit then both Baines and Cole will be on the plane to Brazil next summer, but with the Everton man continuing to impress this season then Cole must ensure he is playing for his club side if he is to warrant a place in Roy Hodgson’s starting eleven. If not, the England manager must go with the player who is playing week in week out and prepared for competitive football.