• England news

Sorry Cole 'unlikely' to captain England

ESPN staff
October 9, 2012
Ashley Cole is unlikely to take the captaincy off Steven Gerrard © PA Photos
Enlarge

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has accepted Ashley Cole's apology for his offensive tweet, but that is unlikely to pave the way for the defender to take on the England captaincy.

Cole has been charged with misconduct after his "bunchoft***s" tweet aimed at the governing body following the publication of their findings into the John Terry case.

The tweet was deleted, followed by an apology through his solicitor, and Cole has since spoken personally to Bernstein to express his remorse. The FA chief is now keen to draw a line under the affair, with his focus shifting to England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Poland.

Cole has 98 caps to his name and there was talk that he could be handed the armband for his 100th appearance in recognition of his contribution to the Three Lions.

Bernstein was quick to stress that team selection is the domain of manager Roy Hodgson, but suggested it was unlikely Cole would be given the honour of leading his country.

When asked if he could see Cole being captain on his 100th appearance, Bernstein said on Sky Sports News: "I think that is unlikely.

"We've made it clear on previous recent occasions that the standard we expect from our captains are very, very high indeed, so I think that's unlikely.

"I'm not going to rule anything out, but unlikely."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices