Cole preferred to Baines in Warsaw

Lyndon Lloyd , 16 October, 8comments | Jump to most recent

Leighton Baines has surprisingly been dropped by Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifier against Poland, with Ashley Cole reinstated at left back despite the Everton man's impressive display against San Marino on Friday.

The game itself has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the National Stadium, but Cole will make his 100th international appearance in the re-scheduled match tomorrow afternoon after sitting out last Friday, possibly because of his Twitter controversy where he directed an abusive Tweet at the Football Association.

Phil Jagielka keep his place in central defence, however.

While Hodgson's decision will obviously be disappointing for Baines, Everton will probably breathe a little easier knowing that he, Kevin Mirallas and Nikica Jelavic were both on the bench tonight for their countries rather than in harm's way. Jelavic was an unused substitute in Croatia's 2-0 win over Wales.

Mirallas did see action, though, coming on after 55 minutes before Belgium scored two goals to take a commanding lead over Scotland in Brussels.

Elsewhere, John Heitinga is in the squad for Holland against Romania, Tim Howard is in line to represent the USA as they host Guatemala but Steven Naismith is still suspended for Scotland and Marouane Fellaini is out injured for the Belgians.

Reader Comments (8)

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John Dubay
1 Posted 16/10/2012 at 20:42:03

Skybabes rule! At least we know Bainesy won't be injured so he can play for a much more deserving cause.

Robin Cannon
2 Posted 17/10/2012 at 00:30:28

The England team really remains an "old boys" club, excessively dominated by certain media friendly teams and players...

Not that I'd necessarily take a good performance against San Marino to be any measure of form. It's like saying Baines performed well in a pre-season friendly against Bootle.

Eugene Ruane
3 Posted 17/10/2012 at 01:10:03

Cole plays, Baines can't get injured. Suits me.

Jamie Sweet
4 Posted 17/10/2012 at 03:51:46

Although I'd enjoy watching the game more if Baines was playing, I agree with Eugene... it's better for us if Baines sits on the bench and lets the second best left-back in England have a go instead.

I was also quietly pleased to see Jelavic keep his arse sat on the bench all game for Croatia and "Super Kev" only have a little run about.

I think our first team can only cope with a couple of absentees before the quality really starts to suffer, and Fellaini and Gibson are already doubts for the trip to QPR.

Phil Sammon
5 Posted 17/10/2012 at 06:38:02

Definitely pleased to see Jelavić on the bench. Did you see that pitch?! Jesus!

Tony J Williams
6 Posted 17/10/2012 at 10:19:32

On the bench for a tough game on a soggy pitch. Thanks for that one Woy.

Steven Astley
7 Posted 17/10/2012 at 10:35:53

It won't be Cole's 100th – it's only his 99th appearance...

Peter Cummings
8 Posted 17/10/2012 at 12:04:48

Hardly 'surprising' Bainesy was dropped for this one – anyone reading the comment yesterday by Stevie G knows who he prefers – but, like most Evertonians, I'm glad he's on the bench as Poland are a tough crew and don't take any prisoners... in fact, I'm more worried for Jags on a very heavy pitch.

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