England to go on the attack in World Cup deciders now Ashley Cole is ruled out
Baines' free-kick brilliance comes in at left-back for final
group-phase double-header, with Welbeck, Sturridge and Rooney up front
Steve Bardens - The FA
Roy Hodgson will go all out for goals against Montenegro on Friday after losing Ashley Cole.
England’s fears over the Chelsea defender’s rib injury materialised when a scan revealed the veteran will not make that Wembley World Cup qualifier and is struggling for next Tuesday’s match against Poland.
Cole’s enforced withdrawal saw Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs join up with Hodgson’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday night.
The news means Leighton Baines will give England an extra attacking weapon from the back.
The Everton man’s set-piece ability and delivery from wide may be just what England need to break down both opponents in two games the Three Lions have to win.
Baines is set to play behind Danny Welbeck on the left, with Wayne Rooney in the hole off striker Daniel Sturridge.
Cole’s absence makes it likely Hodgson will start James Milner, rather than the uncapped Andros Townsend, as a counterweight for when full-back Kyle Walker bombs down the right.
While Cole remains boss Hodgson’s first choice left-back, Baines can play himself into contention for a starting place in Brazil, if England sew up qualification.
Skipper Steven Gerrard said: “Leighton can fill Ashley’s boots.
“And, if we get any free-kicks, I will step aside and give him the responsibility to hit the back of the net.”
England’s fears over the Chelsea defender’s rib injury materialised when a scan revealed the veteran will not make that Wembley World Cup qualifier and is struggling for next Tuesday’s match against Poland.
Cole’s enforced withdrawal saw Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs join up with Hodgson’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday night.
The news means Leighton Baines will give England an extra attacking weapon from the back.
The Everton man’s set-piece ability and delivery from wide may be just what England need to break down both opponents in two games the Three Lions have to win.
Baines is set to play behind Danny Welbeck on the left, with Wayne Rooney in the hole off striker Daniel Sturridge.
Cole’s absence makes it likely Hodgson will start James Milner, rather than the uncapped Andros Townsend, as a counterweight for when full-back Kyle Walker bombs down the right.
While Cole remains boss Hodgson’s first choice left-back, Baines can play himself into contention for a starting place in Brazil, if England sew up qualification.
Skipper Steven Gerrard said: “Leighton can fill Ashley’s boots.
“And, if we get any free-kicks, I will step aside and give him the responsibility to hit the back of the net.”
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