Expert Blogs

A fortnight ago it was a non-issue. Of all the selection puzzles facing England manager Fabio Capello in the build up to the World Cup - the left back position was not one of them.

Nothing could be more straightforward. Ashley Cole would be England's starter on the left side of the back four and Wayne Bridge would be his deputy. Now, with England's opening match against the US less than four months away, there is a question mark against either of them being on the plane to South Africa.

Cole's broken ankle will effectively keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the English Premier League season. He may be physically fit in time for the tournament (England's first game is on June 12th) but he cannot hope to be 'match-fit' after such a lengthy layoff.

Bridge is Cole's obvious replacement having, himself, recently returned to action after a two month break recovering from a knee injury. Fitness, of course, is not the issue; rather his relationship with John Terry who was axed as England captain following allegations of an affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

Capello must decide whether Terry and Bridge can put their personal differences aside and be professional enough to work together for the common cause. If he senses a hint of division, either between the two or among his squad, the England boss faces the unenviable task of dropping one or the other from his final roster. In that case Bridge is the likelier to be sacrificed.

Such a move would be incredibly harsh on the Manchester City defender but Capello cannot risk discord within the ranks. Terry has already been punished and publicly humiliated but, from a footballing perspective, Capello wants him and Rio Ferdinand as the twin pillars in central defence from which to launch swift and incisive counter attacks.

So who are the candidates if Capello is forced to re-think his left-back options?

Leighton Baines - Among Everton's most consistent performers this season, Baines is a reliable defender who enjoys getting forward and providing width for attacking moves. He also possesses a powerful shot which can be more than useful from open play or set pieces. He was a regular with the England U-21's but has yet to win his first senior cap. His lack of experience at full international level could be decisive.

Stephen Warnock - Something of a late bloomer, 28 year old Warnock has never looked back after quitting Liverpool in search of regular first team soccer three years ago. He's settled in well at Aston Villa following his move from Blackburn last summer but, like Baines, he's short on international experience. Capello gave him a taste of the England scene as a late substitute against T&T nearly two years ago but Warnock hasn't represented his country since.   

Joleon Lescott - Generally regarded as a central defender, it's often forgotten Lescott was voted Everton's Player of the Year while operating at left back for much of the 2007/08 season. He might go to South Africa as a backup to Terry and Ferdinand anyway, and his ability to score occasional, but often timely goals should not be overlooked. First and foremost, Lescott must cement his position after injury at Manchester City to stay in contention for an England place.

All of this may prove unnecessary if Capello's first two choice left backs are physically and mentally up to the task in June, or if his England U21 counterpart, Stuart Pearce was 10, maybe 15 years younger. I reckon 'Psycho' could still frighten the life out of most right wingers.