England’s defence in the second FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying match on Tuesday evening will be without two Chelsea players, Ashley Cole and John Terry. Cole, not for the first time the subject of contract speculation at present, had hoped to be available for the game against Ukraine after being ruled out against Moldova with an ankle problem. But it was confirmed on Saturday afternoon that he has not recovered in time.
Cole’s Chelsea captain did play against Moldova but limped out late on after sustaining an injury in the second half, leaving England with ten men. Although Terry’s injury looked to have resulted from an impact on his back – which has caused him problems more than once in the last few Premier League seasons – it is actually his ankle that has eliminated him from contention for a 79th cap.
Cole remains two appearances short of an historical century and Leighton Baines will continue to deputise in the left back position at Wembley. The Everton defender will win his 11th cap against Ukraine after marking his tenth with his first international goal, albeit with the help of a decisive deflection.
England manager Roy Hodgson has a decision to make regarding Joleon Lescott’s partner in Terry’s absence. Terry’s club partner, Gary Cahill, is with the squad and will be hopeful of a start against Ukraine, but Baines’ Toffees team-mate Phil Jagielka has started the season in good form and won’t be far from Hodgson’s thinking.
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