Paul Scholes: Roy Hodgson made a mistake by not selecting Ashley Cole for the World Cup

Ashley Cole was dropped from the England squad for the World Cup

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes feels that Roy Hodgson made an error by not selecting Ashley Cole for the World Cup as he would have provided some stability to England’s frail defense according to The Mirror.

Scholes also stated that Hodgson needs two capable centre backs in time for the European Championship.

“Roy’s close to finding something – but he needs two young centre-halves that have the balls to play, the balls to step into midfield now and again and full-backs who can defend.” said Scholes in his Paddy Power blog.

“We’ve got two full-backs now in Leighton Baines and Glen Johnson who are great going forward – but we’ve got great forwards.

“Not bringing Ashley Cole was probably a mistake, not so much for his attacking qualities but more his defensive ones. I think Baines and the whole of the back four have been found out a bit.

“It’s been argued John Terry could have steadied the ship and taken command, but he’s not getting any younger either. Ideally what is needed was a young John Terry and a Rio Ferdinand in his prime to marshal the defence.”

The former England international’s verdict is spot on as the Three Lions’ back four were completely overrun by Italy and Uruguay.