• World Cup qualifying

Ashley Cole to be left out of San Marino clash

ESPN staff
October 12, 2012
Ashley Cole is expected to face Poland © PA Photos
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Ashley Cole will be left out of the England team for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley on Friday night, ESPN can reveal.

Cole, 31, was charged with misconduct by the FA on Monday after his foul-mouthed Twitter rant against the governing body last week, but manager Roy Hodgson has dropped the defender for footballing reasons and not because of any disciplinary action.

An ESPN insider said on Friday morning: "No, Ashley is not playing, but then again he was never going to play."

The left-back used his official Twitter account to respond to the publication of an FA panel's report into the John Terry racism verdict, which said there were "considerable doubts" about evidence given in support of Terry by Cole and suggested it had "evolved".

Soon after its publication, Cole tweeted: "Hahahahaa, well done #fa I lied did I, #BUNCHOFTW***". But later he apologised to Football Association chairman David Bernstein and "showed real contrition."

With injuries to Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Bertrand, Leighton Baines will take his place due to his exceptional form this season against the joint-worst side in world football with Cole expected to return for the more important tie in Poland on Tuesday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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