Cole says his England days are over after World Cup omission
CHELSEA defender Ashley Cole last night called time on his international career after being told by England boss Roy Hodgson that he will not be included in the 23-man World Cup squad.
Hodgson will reveal the squad that he intends on taking to Brazil, plus seven standby players, today at 2pm.
It is believed that Everton’s Leighton Baines and Southampton’s Luke Shaw will be named as the team’s left-backs.
Cole, who has 107 caps, tweeted last night: “I got the call from Roy and agree England’s team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England now.”
Earlier in the day Cole had seemed to signal an end to his time at Chelsea by tweeting: “Whatever happens it’s been a pleasure. You Chelsea fans have been amazing to me.”
The 33-year-old captained the Blues for their 2-1 win away at Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Arsenal duo Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been declared available for selection by Hodgson after recovering from injury.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed yesterday that Oxlade-Chamberlain will return to normal squad training by Wednesday.