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Everton's Lescott set to replace Cole as Capello launches crusade against abuse
Last updated at 16:56pm on 26.03.08Fabio Capello is seriously considering leaving Chelsea defender Ashley Cole out of his England starting line-up to meet France tonight.
• THE BIG MATCH: France v England
Capello will not reveal the team to his players until a few hours before kick-off but it is understood that Cole, who attracted severe criticism for his lack of self-discipline in last week's turbulent London derby against Tottenham, is coming under increasing pressure to keep his place.
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Lack of respect: Cole turns his back after being booked by referee Mike Riley
The player pushing Cole all the way is not Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge but Everton's emerging star Joleon Lescott, who has been outstanding this season, scoring eight goals for the Toffees, and he particularly impressed Capello in a recent match against Fulham.
Capello is keen that his England players set the right standards both on and off the pitch and he will not have been impressed by Cole's antics at White Hart Lane last week — when he turned his back on referee Mike Riley — despite the fact that he later apologised.
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Rising star: Everton defender Joleon Lescott could force Ashley Cole out
The England coach, who also confirmed that David Beckham would win his 100th cap in the Stade de France, sprang a surprise by naming Rio Ferdinand as captain but is expected to give John Terry the armband in either of the next two matches, against the United States at Wembley or on the trip to Trinidad.
Terry did not help his cause with his England boss after his Bentley was pictured parked in a disabled bay in Esher last week and he then led the protests against Riley at Tottenham.
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Argument: Cole, and several other Chelsea players including Frank Lampard and John Terry, make their feelings known to referee Riley after Cole's nasty challenge on Alan Hutton
Terry, who is still due to partner Ferdinand tonight, will get his chance while Capello intends to try out at least one other captain, possibly Wayne Rooney or Gareth Barry, before he announces his permanent skipper for August's match against the Czech Republic, the last before England begin their World Cup qualifying campaign.
All eyes will be on Beckham tonight though, whether he starts the match or comes on as a sub.
The midfield star says he wants to carry on after he reaches the coveted century mark and Capello certainly did not rule out that possibility when he said: "I know David Beckham and if he carries on training the way he is, then he could certainly go on to 2010."
Centre of attention: England midfielder David Beckham keeps his fans happy after arriving at the team hotel in Paris yesterday, ahead of earning his 100th cap for his country against France tonight
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
Ashley Cole no relation thank god! Stopped being a left back when he joined Chelsea! Try new blood let him know his not the only left back in the country. Great news when a player who's won 4 championship medals is on the bench he should think about his game.
- Cole, France
Has the ever been a more odious footballer than Ashley Cole?
- John Entwistle, London
Good. Cole isn't even the best left back at Chelsea. Mind you, Rooney as a possible captain? That way madness lies.
- Paul, London
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