Ashley Cole’s Injury Changes Everything

With one innocuous challenge on Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, Everton’s American on-loan Landon Donovan has suddenly driven a stake through the dreams of both Chelsea and England fans.

For the past six months, Ashley Cole has been in the form of his life – hounding attackers, storming down the wing, and laying claim to the title of the best left back in the world. He’s been an important engine in Chelsea ’s quest for the league title and a trusted member in the England setup. But now both sides must find a way to cope without his energy, pace and work ethic: a fractured ankle is expected to keep Cole on the sidelines for three months. Whether that gives him enough time to get fit for the World Cup is anyone’s guess. (Although it is worth noting that Cole’s first match back would be England ‘s first World Cup group game against none other than… the USA on June 12.)

One thing is for certain: England manager Fabio Capello surely has had it up to here with Chelsea ’s backline. First, John Terry mucked things up by sleeping with Wayne Bridge’s former partner. Capello stripped Terry of the England captaincy for that transgression – a decision we at Footy Factor HQ disagreed with, although respected in its intentions.

Ashley Cole's moment of truth

No sooner did that controversy die down, Capello now faces another test of his managerial nous with Cole’s injury. Wayne Bridge had been Ashley Cole’s understudy on the national team for years. With Cole fit, he wouldn’t have sniffed a minute of playing time in South Africa. In fact, we had argued several days ago that Capello should axe the dispensable Bridge to avoid the possible divisions it would have created with him and Terry in the same team. Bridge is no longer dispensable. And it’s almost ironic – or at least poetic – that Bridge’s elevation to England ‘s World Cup starting XI coincides with Terry‘s downfall.

A taste of what Chelsea and England fans will be missing… (Timer: 0.35-0.52)