Ashley Cole set to become England's most capped left-back
Ashley Cole is set to become England’s most-capped full-back of all time. The 30-year old left-back is expected to make his 87th appearance for the Three Lions tonight, against Denmark.
The Chelsea player made his international debut in England’s 3-1 win over Albania in 2001, and aims to earn 100 England caps.
“For me it's going to be a normal game but, of course, in the back of my mind I'll think 'yeah, I broke the record’. But I don't want to stop here, I want to get more caps. To play for your country is a dream as a kid and I've done it 86 times,” he said.
"I just want to keep playing as many games as I can until the manager doesn't think I'm good enough to play or it's time for a younger one to come in and play. I'm never going to give up or retire,” he added.
The Chelsea left-back currently shares equal number of caps with former Arsenal legend Kenny Sansom, who played for the Three Lions between 1979 and 1988.
Manchester United legendary right back, Gary Neville, who just announced his retirement from club football, is the third most capped English full back. The right-back managed 85 appearances for the Three Lions from 1995 to 2007.
Nottingham Forest legend, Peter Shilton, is England’s most capped players with 125 appearances under his belt.
Cole was recently named England’s 2010 player of the year by the fans; even though he has not been a popular figure. The 30-year-old thanked English fans and claimed that winning the award was one of the proudest moments of his life. Cole, who was part of
Arsenal Invincibles and Chelsea’s double wining squad, feels he is finally being appreciated by the fans.
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