Cole getting closer to best - Wenger
03/05/2006 - 18:05:54Arsene Wenger feels Ashley Cole is “getting sharper” by the game – just in time to give England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson a welcome fitness boost.
Full-back Cole has not featured for his country since the qualifying defeat against Northern Ireland in September last year, after suffering a stress fracture of his foot which was followed by a succession of niggling injuries.
However, the 25-year-old made a first Arsenal appearance since January 14 when he came on as a second-half substitute against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday.
With Cole showing no ill effects from his 25-minute run-out, Wenger intends to start him against Manchester City tomorrow night, when Arsenal will be aiming to keep up the pressure on fourth-placed Tottenham.
The deadline for World Cup selection is fast approaching, and with star striker Wayne Rooney looking a major doubt for the finals in Germany after breaking his foot, the news both Cole and fellow Gunners defender Sol Campbell look well on their way to full match fitness is at least some positive news for the England head coach.
Wenger declared: “Ashley is getting sharper. He is physically behind his top, top level, but he can get that through games.
“The timing for England is right, for us it is not bad, but he might be a little short.
“You [England] will have a fresh player, so there is some good news.”
Although Wenger confirmed Cole would start at the City of Manchester Stadium, the Arsenal manager would not be drawn on whether the full-back is set to also feature against Wigan in what will be the final match at Highbury on Sunday and then again for the Champions League final against Barcelona in Paris on May 17.
Wenger said: “I will leave the decision open knowing that he is a little bit behind physically.
“I do not know what type of impression he will make in the next game at Man City. If he plays a part or plays against Wigan, then there is still 10 days.”
The Arsenal boss is clearly relieved to see the full-back in action once again.
Wenger said: “Any player who is out for sev months there is a doubt that creeps into your mind. It is difficult to take, but you could see he is happier, freer.”
Midlesbrough boss Steve McClaren looks set to be confirmed as the next England manager following a board meeting of the Football Association tomorrow.
Wenger had long led the call for the next national team head coach to be home-grown.
It is a role the Frenchman could see Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce, 44, one day going on to fill.
Wenger said: “He has the qualities certainly [for England], because he is doing well at Man City.
“But you have just found one now – do not sack him straight away!
“It looks like you have all agreed it is now Steve McClare, an Englishman - for once you have listened to me!”
The Arsenal boss joked: “But I am scared that Sven becomes number two during the World Cup because McClaren is number one!”
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