Last Updated: Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:15
Ashley Cole's days as an England regular could be coming to an end although the Chelsea star will earn his 100th cap against Brazil.
Manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he is planning to name the 31-year-old in his team to face the 2014 World Cup hosts in a glamour friendly at Wembley on Wednesday.
However, the England coach has warned the Blues left-back that his place in the starting line-up is no longer guaranteed due to a combination of factors including his age and the emergence of Leighton Baines as a genuine alternative.
Cole has been a virtual ever-present for the Three Lions since making his debut for his country back in 2001 and he is still widely regarded as one of the best full-back in the world, but his rival from Everton is also making a strong case for his inclusion on a regular basis.
Hodgson said: "If Ashley is fit he will play on Wednesday and get his 100th cap.
"But there will come a time when both are fit for an important match and I will have to disappoint one of them.
"They will just have to fight it out and I'm sure the competition between them will be fierce.
"Then I'll have to make a decision.
"Leighton proved himself to me during the Euros and since then when he's played a couple of games in Ashley's absence."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
