Sunday, August 1, 2010

With Wayne Bridge branch his behind on England and Ashley Cole harmed Sportsmail asks: Who will Fabio Capello be left with?

Ashley Cole"s broken ankle and Wayne Bridge"s decision to make himself unavailable leaves England coach Fabio Capello without his two senior left-backs.

Capello will hope Cole recovers fitness in time for the World Cup, however Bridge has ruled himself out.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at contenders for the role, ahead of the friendly against Egypt next week.

Leighton Baines

Uncapped former Wigan left-back Baines was recently hailed by Everton boss David Moyes as the club"s most consistent player of the season.

Not the quickest but a steady performer whose ability from penalties and free-kicks could work in his favour.

Stephen Warnock

The former Blackburn defender, whose one cap to date came againstTrinidad & Tobago in 2008, has impressed Capello with his displaysfor Aston Villa since joining the club last summer.

Just on his way back from a shin injury, though, and naturally right-footed.

stephen warnock

On the mend: Warnock

leighton baines

Rave reviews: Baines

Gareth Barry

Disciplined Manchester City midfielder witha sweet left foot. Has played plenty of times at left-back over theyears, and indeed began his career as a defender.

The risk is he could be exposed for a lack of pace by the world"s best forwards in South Africa.

Joleon Lescott

Centre-back has struggled for fitnesssince joining Manchester City from Everton last summer. Just back froma knee injury and known to prefer a central role, but could provideemergency back-up.

joleon lescottGareth Barry

City slickers: Eastlands pair Lescott (left) and Barry

James Milner

Aston Villa"s versatile winger could provide Capello with valuable cover for both full-back roles.

Usually seen further up the flanks providing an attacking threat but adaptable enough to fit in at the back if required.

There would be a degree of risk though in fielding him in an unfamiliar position.

Nicky Shorey

Aston Villa have allowed Shorey to have loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Fulham this season, given Warnock is Martin O"Neill"s first choice.

He may be a long shot but has performed well for both clubs, and also has England experience, having won two caps in the Steve McClaren era.

james milner

Options: Milner

nicky shorey

Could he Nick a place? Shorey

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