Ashley Cole's broken ankle puts England in the position they did not want to be in at this stage of having to find a replacement left-back. Wayne Bridge would appear to be the obvious choice having deputised for Cole for a number of years. Although experience is on Bridge's side, the question is over whether he replaces what Cole offers up for England. There are a number of other candidates being offered up with Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines both getting mentions.
After an inauspicious start with Chelsea, Cole has really improved his defensive abilities, but it is what he also provides going forward that makes him one of the best full backs in world football. For England, Cole's attacking threat down the left-hand side is even more important with the lack of a left-sided player in midfield. Cole's threat was highlighted in Chelsea's recent home game against Arsenal; Cole got forward a number of times, hugged the touchline, and supported the attack (see below Chalkboard). Bridge, however, is not that type of full back. In Manchester City's early season win against Arsenal, Bridge did most of his passing in his own half and rarely got into the last third of the pitch (see below Chalkboard).
Do Warnock or Baines offer something else? Although they can't call on the experience of major championships, both have been solid Premier League left-backs over the last couple of seasons. But in terms of what they offer, they get forward and provide more attacking threat than Bridge. In Aston Villa's recent game with Liverpool, Warnock connected with 34 passes and gave a lot of support in the opposing half (see below Chalkboard). Baines is a more old-fashioned left-back and gives more genuine over-lapping threat by getting to the byline and supplying crosses. In Everton's win over Manchester United, Baines does most of his work in the opposing half, gets in advanced positions and puts in a series of crosses into the box (see below Chalkboard).
by Guardian Chalkboards
There is no argument over whether Baines and Warnock can compete with Bridge in terms of experience on the big stage. With Ashley Cole around, experience was a good rationale for Bridge being in the squad as cover at left-back in the major championships. But Cole's attacking threat is a significant loss down the left flank for England, particularly if they stick with a relatively narrow midfield on the left-hand side. Both Warnock and Baines provide more energy going forward, but Baines is the more attacking threat through the number of crosses he gets into the box. Fabio Cappello might be looking for a more experienced replacement, but if he wants England to be bold, he could do a lot worse than take a look at Leighton Baines.
by Guardian Chalkboards
There is no argument over whether Baines and Warnock can compete with Bridge in terms of experience on the big stage. With Ashley Cole around, experience was a good rationale for Bridge being in the squad as cover at left-back in the major championships. But Cole's attacking threat is a significant loss down the left flank for England, particularly if they stick with a relatively narrow midfield on the left-hand side. Both Warnock and Baines provide more energy going forward, but Baines is the more attacking threat through the number of crosses he gets into the box. Fabio Cappello might be looking for a more experienced replacement, but if he wants England to be bold, he could do a lot worse than take a look at Leighton Baines.
