Cole misses Russia clash

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The Chelsea defender was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of Saturday's win over Estonia with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

Although the full extent of Cole's injury is not yet known, the damage is extensive enough for England coach Steve McClaren to rule the 26-year-old out of his plans for this week, and recall Middlesbrough defender Luke Young into his squad instead.

While the introduction of Young, who won the most recent of his seven caps against Argentina in November 2005 can hardly be viewed as a like-for-like replacement given his confirmed status as a right-back, it does indicate McClaren may be considering Phil Neville as Cole's replacement at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Neville initially slotted into Cole's spot when he replaced the former Arsenal man at Wembley on Saturday, although McClaren quickly switched his defence around, moving the Everton captain back to the right and pushing his Toffees team-mate Joleon Lescott to the left flank.

However, with just 45 minutes of international experience behind him, starting with Lescott would be a huge gamble for McClaren in such a pivotal game.

McClaren's only other option would be the inclusion of Reading's Nicky Shorey, although both the Reading man's full caps have come in friendlies.