Everton's Leighton Baines tipped for England after Ashley Cole ruled out

12 February 2010 07:00
LEIGHTON BAINES has been tipped for an England call-up after Ashley Cole was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.[LNB]The Blues left-back's hopes of being included in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad were boosted by the set-back to first choice Cole, suffered in Everton's 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park.[LNB]The news of Cole's ankle injury, which leaves him facing a fight to regain his fitness in time for the summer tournament, could mean that uncapped Baines is called up for England's friendly against Egypt next month.[LNB]Blues boss David Moyes believes the former Wigan man deserves international recognition based on his consistency so far this season.[LNB]He said: 'Leighton Baines has been our most consistent player all season. I am sure he is in the thoughts of the England manager.[LNB]'I don't think anybody would be surprised if he is in the squad for the Egypt game. He has got Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and Steven Warnock who he may need to climb over to get there - but he won't let anyone down.'[LNB]Moyes also praised USA captain Landon Donovan, who is likely to line-up against England in the first game of the World Cup this summer.[LNB]He said: 'I have got to say I thought he was excellent against Chelsea. It was maybe his best game since he's been here.[LNB]'We thought it could have been time to give him a breather but I am glad we didn't because he was a threat and he had to track Ashley Cole as well.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo