Ashley Cole’s World Cup Vendetta

Nobody on the field during England’s opening match against the United States will need much in the way of motivation. For them, realizing the dream of representing their nation in the World Cup is plenty enough incentive. But it’s also fair to say that England left back Ashley Cole will be coming into the game with a little something extra.

Cole’s principle assignment on the right wing will most likely be the USA’s Landon Donovan. This is the same Landon Donovan who, while on a brief loan spell at Goodison Park last season, almost ended Cole’s World Cup dream. The two players both went for a loose ball during Everton’s match against Chelsea. Cole emerged from the challenge with a broken ankle that put him on the sidelines for several months. Donovan later claimed that the incident was completely innocuous – although we’re not so sure Cole believes him.

Cole likely feels bitterness towards the United States on an even more personal level. He might argue, for instance, that American forces were directly involved in the implosion of his marriage to the WAGtastic Cheryl Cole. After all, it was on an exhibition tour with Chelsea in Seattle where his two-timing ways finally caught up with him. To rub it in, Cheryl then fled London for the United States, where she’s been reportedly healing her wounds in the all-too-warm embrace of such American showmen as will.i.am.

In Cole’s mind, Saturday’s match in Rustenburg represents a real opportunity to exact some revenge on his perceived American foes. The Brazilian referees officiating the game will no doubt be focused on what’s coming out of Wayne Rooney’s mouth – but they might do better by keeping an eye on the right wing. The world’s best left back versus America’s best footballer was always going to be an exciting matchup. And with Ashley Cole’s personal demons egging him on, there might be some real fireworks as well.

Ashley Cole contemplates World Cup triumph

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The USA v England match kicks off at 7:30 pm GMT (2:30pm EST), Saturday, June 12^th. In the UK, the match can be seen live on ITV.  In the USA , it will be broadcast on ABC.