England left back legend Kenny Sansom backs Three Lions youngster Luke Shaw for a glittering career in the national team, but still thinks Ashley Cole could be the number one English left back had he have been given the chance to prove it.
Southampton’s highly-prized youngster Shaw, who is reported to be on the verge of a big money summer move to Manchester United, stunned England supporters last month when he was picked for Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad over Three Lions veteran Ashley Cole.
It has been reported that Hodgson selected the 18-year-old Saints player as a result of the promising form he has displayed at club level this season and the fact he has played significantly more hours of game time than Chelsea man Cole.
Cole was at a disadvantage, having appeared to have fallen out of favour with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and not been selected as first choice Blues left back for the most part of the season.
As the highest capped England left back of all time, Cole has 107 national appearances to boast, but his wealth of experience was not enough to carry him forward into the 2014 World Cup.
On Hodgson’s decision not to take him to Brazil, the 33-year-old, announced his retirement from playing football at national level.
Former England defender Sansom, who is the second highest capped Three Lions left back in history behind Cole, was full of praise for the young Saint, dubbing him an exciting prospect for England and a future star.
That aside, he still has huge admiration for Cole and still thinks he has the potential to be the number one English left back.
He told Football Express News: “I rate the young kid from Southampton, Luke Shaw, he’s got loads of talent. I think he is a big potential for England and is definitely a future star.
“Ashley could still be the number one left back we have in this country, but has not been given the chance to prove it this season.”