Stuart Pearce says Ashley Cole is best-ever England left-back
England national team assistant manager Stuart Pearce has issued high praise for Ashley Cole, claiming that the Chelsea man is the country’s best-ever left-back.
Pearce himself was a name to be reckoned with in the position, having claimed 78 caps between 1987 and 1999. The former Manchester City boss helped England qualify for several UEFA European Football Championships and FIFA World Cups, but believes that Cole’s
talents far exceed his own.
Cole is likely to win his 86th cap Euro in the 2012 qualifying match against Montenegro on Tuesday, October 12, tying Kenny Samson's record for the number of appearances for a full-back for England.
Unfortunately, Pearce will not be in attendance for the game, as he will be in Romania taking charge of the Under-21 side for the second leg of their 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship play-off tie.
Despite not being able to be at Wembley to see Cole reach the milestone, Pearce did not hold back in his praise for the 29-year-old defender.
"Ashley's pace is a real big strength, his ability on the ball and the way in which he deals with the ball for a full-back is outstanding. Ashley is the best left-back England's ever had, 100 percent. It is hard to find a weakness in his game. At the highest
level, his performances for England have been fantastic. There is no doubt in my mind he is the best left-back ever to play for England."
Cole made his England debut in 2001 against Albania. He has been a constant presence in the national side since, having featured at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, where he was named among UEFA’s all-star team for the tournament. He also took part in the
2006 and 2010 World Cups.
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