• England news

Hodgson 'relief' at Cole resolution

Roy Hodgson will lead England against San Marino this week and Poland next week © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Cole fined but escapes ban
  
• News: Ashley Cole accepts FA charge over Twitter rant
  
• News: Hart laments retirement of Terry
  
• News: Rooney to captain England against San Marino
  
• News: Walker hails impact of 'hero' Jagielka
  
• News: England lay down new code of conduct
  
• News: Phil Neville eyes future in management
  
• News: Bernstein reveals Cole apology
  
• News: Gerrard: No more excuses
  
• News: Sorry Cole 'unlikely' to captain England
  
• News: Hodgson free to pick Cole
  

England manager Roy Hodgson has expressed confidence that Ashley Cole's issues with the FA have been "totally resolved" - but has stopped short of confirming he will select Cole for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Cole has apologised to FA chairman David Bernstein after posting an offensive message on Twitter last week regarding the organisation, which said there were "considerable doubts" about evidence given by Cole in support of John Terry as part of a racism probe. The FA also felt that the defender's account had "evolved" over time.

Chelsea defender Cole has been made eligible for selection for the matches against San Marino on Friday and Poland the following Tuesday, when he could win his 100th cap for England.

However, Hodgson has not decided whether he will select Cole or Everton's Leighton Baines for those fixtures.

"The great thing is that we have a lot of players competing for places who have done well when given a chance," Hodgson said. "It's also interesting that although the game against San Marino looks easier on paper, I know if I leave people out they're going to want to play.

"So it's good to have a selection problem, and more importantly for me I'm pleased the chairman has accepted the apology from Ashley. I know how disappointed he is with the situation and I'm relieved the matter has been totally resolved.

"Absolutely [Cole has the appetite to play on for England]. He has played 98 times and hardly ever missed a game when he's been fit. He's been regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world for many years, and no-one who is fair-minded could criticise Ashley's commitment to England. I'm very happy he hasn't put his position in jeopardy."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.