The pacy full-back played all but the final two games of 2009.
Ashley Cole Age 29
Date of Birth 28.12.1980
Career caps 77
Caps in 2009 9Chelsea
The flying full-back celebrates his birthday today and can reflect on another good year with The Three Lions in 2009, when he proved to be Fabio Capello’s first choice at left-back and one of the world’s best in his position.
He featured in all but two of the games which England played during 2009, missing only the final pair against Belarus and Brazil in October and November respectively due to a niggling injury which he has now overcome.
The former Arsenal man will no doubt be firmly in Capello’s plans for South Africa next summer and with Chelsea also firing on all cylinders on a domestic front, he will hopefully go into his second World Cup in fine condition.
One of the most consistent players available to Capello, the east London-born ace is still waiting for his first goal for England but will no doubt settle for a continuation of the fine defensive form shown throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign in 2009.