A few weeks back we, like everyone else, wrote of England’s left back dilemma in the wake of Ashley Cole’s injury. Why?

In fairness, we did conclude the most likely event was Cole recovers and starts, but the hysteria around it was hilarious, particularly considering he was due to be back in plenty of time and bookies had him at 1/3, usually a good indicator.

The news now comes in that Cole rejoined Chelsea training today and barring another injury will be fine well before the end of the season. Read the full article on that from the Times here.

Why do we all get dragged into this sensationalist reportage? The right back area is more problematic – even if he were injured…

Ashley Cole will be fine for the World Cup. Much to the chagrin of Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock who, like the rest of us, no doubt got dragged into the hysteria.

I’ve resisted writing on this as literally EVERYONE else is already – but with Wayne Bridge today announcing he is not available for England, just who will fill the injured philanderer Ashley Cole’s polygamous boots?

Bear in mind that he could recover in time and Capello could break from his mantra and select him despite lack of game time (I think that’s what will actually happen) but in case it doesn’t, the contenders…

Wayne Bridge

Bridge was the favourite to replace Cashley – although a far less accomplished defender, he is solid and has 30 odd caps. However he removed himself from the running citing his ‘untenable and potentially divisive’ position (clearly a quote from the PR men, that…). Which throws the door wide open…

Stephen Warnock

Probably next in line, just. Warnock has impressed for Villa this season, is reasonably reliable, and gets forward well. He played centre midfield for Blackburn on several occasions showing both versatility and all round ability. Lack of experience is a concern, as is lack of game time against any world class opponents.

Leighton Baines

Coming into form just as Everton are, Baines has a gorgeous left foot. However, he lacks pace and if you took away his admittedly excellent dead ball delivery there is a distinct suspicion that he is actually a fairly average footballer.

Joleon Lescott

Worf should make the squad largely because of his ability to play centre back or left back – but surely Capello cannot go with an out of position out of form centre back as first choice left back?

James Milner

Again, not his natural position, and it’s extremely unlikely Capello will bodge someone into the starting eleven. Plus Milner has been playing CM for Villa this year, further distancing himself from his experience at full back. Would be very risky.

Matthew Upson and Wes Brown

Two centre backs who could be shoe-horned in at left back if we were absolutely desperate. A terrifying proposition.

Nicky Shorey

As wonky_knee points out: ‘Since signing for Fulham they have kept 4 clean sheets in 5 games. No coincidence…’ – fair point. But until recently Shorey was plying his trade in the Championship, and his defending has always been suspect, hence Villa releasing him. Would you be confident with him lining up against… well, anyone?

And that’s it.

SkyBet have Ashley Cole at 1/3 to start against the USA (see here) and the bookies are rarely far wrong; there’s a strong possibility that this is all pointless conjecture and surmise, and Cheryl’s erstwhile husband will be fit to take to the pitch in England’s first game.

Let’s hope he is.

An ultimately convincing 5-1 triumph gave England three wins from three matches in WC qualifying, cementing our strong position at the top of the group. A win in Belarus on Wednesday and it would take an implosion for us not to qualify.

There were impressive performances from Frank Lampard – who I am not the biggest fan of but who has been excellent for club and country this season – and in the second half, once moved to a more central role, Wayne Rooney.

Heskey was effective although again looked clueless when it came to actually doing the business in front of goal. Walcott threatened sporadically. Gerrard was disappointing, and Barry was anonymous for 45 minutes before being withdrawn.

Defensively we looked dodgy – Cole was a shadow of the player who has been bombarding up the left flank for Chelsea this season, Upson looked short of Internation class against sub-mediocre opposition, and David James always makes you think there’s a calamity round the corner.

Wes Brown looked solid enough, and Rio marshalled well, however. Concentration is the main problem when facing minnows such as the Kazakhs.

D-Beck got a rapturous reception when coming from the bench, and Jermain Defoe looked lively when coming on. The England fans belied their reputation as the best in the world by booing Ashley Cole – but then he is so easily detestable.

As long as it wasn’t racist, and was more to do with his arrogant swagger, ridiculous autobiography, and shameful trestment of one the most beautiful women on the planet, its fine with me.