The decorated left-back was crowned England Player of the Year in 2010
Ashley Cole is in line to win the England Player of the Year award for the second time since 2010 and here we look back at his maiden triumph.
The left-back is just one game away from joining an illustrious band of players to have earned 100 England caps.
In 2010, he reached his first special milestone when he made his 86th international appearance, against Montenegro – in doing so equalling Kenny Sansom’s record tally for a full-back, an achievement which helped him earn the fans’ vote.
Cole said upon winning the award: "It feels amazing.
"It came as a big surprise to me, I never thought I would get this award with all the other players who were in the running.
“I never thought it would be me, but I'm very privileged and proud and thankful to the fans. It's been hard for me at times, but now I think I've got their appreciation and I'm very grateful.
“Every time I put on an England shirt I try my hardest, I want to win, and I think in voting me Player of the Year the fans are starting to see that.
"I just want to play for my country and do everything I can to win."
Cole has been recognised as one of the world’s best left-backs for a number of years and his importance to England meant he missed just three of the 12 games in 2010, all friendlies, against Egypt, Mexico and France.
Cole pipped Steven Gerrard and Adam Johnson into second and third place respectively for the award.
The defender also enjoyed a successful year with Chelsea, claiming an historic 'double' with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
But did Cole do enough in the last 12 months to earn your vote again?
Ashley, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard 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 Vauxhall at St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.
Place your vote in the poll below before the closing date of 13 January 2013. You can also vote for the England Men's Under-21sand Women's Senior Players of the Year, too.