Under-21s midfielder McEachran chooses his England Player of the Year

England Under-21s midfielder Josh McEachran believes his choice for England's Player of the Year is not only the Three Lions' best in 2012, but also the world's.

And it's not surprising that he rates Chelsea defender Ashley Cole so highly having seen him at close-hand as he came up through the Stamford Bridge ranks.

19-year-old McEachran has played over 20 times for the Blues, but is currently enjoying a loan spell in the Championship at Middlesbrough.

However, he still keeps in contact with Cole, a player he has lined up alongside in Premier League and Champions League games.

And when asked to pick his choice to win the Player of the Year, he instantly named the defender, who is just one match away from his century of caps for England.



"Every time I see him play he's always consistent. For me he's the best left-back in the world," McEachran told FATV.

"I know him from Chelsea and the way he trains and his professionalism is great, first class.

"He's always helping me out and texting me to see how I'm getting on, so probably Ash."

Do you agree with Josh's choice?

Cole, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson and Danny Welbeck are all in the hunt this year and it's up to you which star will claim the 2012 England Player of the Year award at the inaugural FA England Awards in association with Vauxhallat St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.

To make your choice count select your chosen player in each category in the polls below and click ‘VOTE’.
The voting period will close at midnight on Sunday 13 January 2013.