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RECORD BREAKER: Cole

ENGLAND DEFENDER Ashley Cole has created black British sports history.

The highly-rated Chelsea full-back became the most capped player for England when England played Algeria at the 2010 World Cup last week.

Cole beat the previous record - held by John Barnes - as he moved on to the 80-cap landmark.

Cole, despite much chronicled marital problems, landed the Double with his club last season and has now gone on to rewrite the record books after making his England debut in 2001.

Paul Canoville was the first black player to play for Chelsea and he is of the opinion that the community should be proud of Cole.

“Ashley deserves it [the plaudits]. He’s been playing very well and that’s why he was called up by England for the World Cup.

“He’s managed to leave his problems behind and concentrated on his football. We’ve got to be proud of him and he can definitely continue to the next World Cup. Well done to him.”

Cole, 29, is considered by many in the game to be the best left-back in the world. The rumour mill suggests that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho – now at Real Madrid – may make a big-money bid for Cole after the World Cup.

Canoville, who played for Chelsea 79 times during the early 80s, believes that Cole’s pedigree will be crucial to both club and country in the future.

“If he had an injury there would be questions. He gives so much. He’s a left back and he is a winger too.

“He can go down the line and provide that ball. If he gets injured who else have we got that can do that? He’s a major player for England.”

Published: 21 June 2010
Issue: 1428

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