England Manager relieved to see Ashley Cole situation resolved

Roy Hodgson has spoken of his relief that England defender Ashley Cole has apologised to FA Chairman David Bernstein and is now fully focused on Friday's game with San Marino.

The Chelsea player spoke to Bernstein on Monday evening after arriving at St. George's Park to link up with Hodgson's squad ahead of the next two World Cup qualifiers following a comment made on Twitter last week.

And now Hodgson is glad that things have been resolved, on the day that St. George's Park was officially opened with the England squad present.

He said: "I'm very pleased that the Chairman has gracefully accepted the apology from Ashley.

"I know how disappointed and saddened he is with the situation but I'm quite relieved as an England Manager that this matter is now resolved between The FA, represented by the Chairman and Ashley himself.

"Ashley wants to play, We're talking about a man who has played 98 times and has hardly ever missed a game when he's been fit and has been regarded for many years as one of, if not the, best left-back in the world.

"No-one could question his commitment to England so as a result, his contrition is the greater because he thought he might have put his position in jeopardy, but I'm very happy that he hasn't done that.

"The important thing for me was that it was resolved. He made it very clear that he regretted it and tried to rectify for his mistake with a public apology.

"I was always hoping that he and the Chairman would sort this out between them so I wouldn't be in a situation to make a decision of that magnitude.

"So as far as I'm concerned, it's been sorted out and I'm very happy with the outcome and I will continue with the players that I've got."

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