Ashley Cole
DOB 20.12.80
2007 Caps 4, Goals 0
Career Caps 61, Goals 0
Chelsea

Ashley Cole's 2007 was marred by two serious injuries, restricting him to just four appearances. The experienced left back, who has a total 61 caps to his name, showed his worth, though, by being on the winning side in each of the four Euro 2008 qualifying matches. Each one finished three nil, and resulted in wide ranging praise from players, media and fans alike.

However, it was not until March that Cole played his first game, due to a knee injury picked up in the game against Blackburn in January. It had looked like he would be out for even longer, but the defender made surprisingly rapid progress, and returned to the England fold for the win over Andorra.

His return was short-lived, though, with another injury hampering him and he was substituted on 50 minutes.

By September, Cole was back in the thick of the action. He was a prominent figure for Chelsea again and just as impressive in the England win over challengers Israel, and would have scored his first England goal but for a smart save from Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.

Perhaps his most impressive contribution was at Wembley against eventual qualifiers Russia. An England clean sheet was the reward for a solid defensive display and gave England renewed hope of reaching the EURO 2008 finals.

Cole also produced an accomplished showing against Estonia, which included the cross that brought an own goal from Taavi Rahn for England's third goal.

The team visibly dropped a level when he was forced off with a worrying ankle injury, proving his increasing influence in the side.