HODGSON BACKS COLE

The manager of the England national football team, Roy Hodgson, has said that it’s Ashley Cole who will wear the captain’s armband in the friendly match against Republic of Ireland which is going to be played at Wembley on Wednesday.

Earlier, it was announced that Frank Lampard will captain the English team in this match, but, later on, Hodgson made it clear that Lampard will only attend the press conferences and the captain’s job on the ground will be done by Cole.

Talking to the reporters ahead of the match, Hodgson said, “This is Ashley Cole’s first home appearance after his 100th game and we have decided to honour him by appointing him the captain for this game. The press conferences will be attended by Frank Lampard, but, on the pitch, it’s Ashley who will be in charge.”

“He deserved to be given this opportunity. Playing 100 matches for England is not a joke. It’s a serious achievement. With such fierce competition, not many players have been able to do that.”

“The thing I like about Ashley the most is that he is very down to earth and that’s why, he is widely respected.”

When asked about Wayne Rooney who didn’t have a rollicking last season, Hodgson said, “Wayne is still vital for us. He is a high class player and has done amazingly well for England over the years. It’s not sensible to write him off. I can still see the hunger in him. Yes, he had an average last season, but, it happens with all players at some point of time.”

Rooney wasn’t that prolific for his club Manchester United in the last Premier League season. He featured for them in 27 Premier League matches and scored 12 goals.