World Cup: Ashley Cole Faces England Squad Battle with Southampton Starlet

Ashley Cole's World Cup place is in doubt after Roy Hodgson admitted that he would have "a decision to make" as Luke Shaw becomes a serious contender to replace the Chelsea stalwart.

Cole, 33, has failed to secure the left-back berth in both Jose Mourinho's starting XI, with Spain's Cesar Azpilicueta preferred, and Roy Hodgson's starting XI, with Everton's Leighton Baines replacing him as England's number one left-back.

"For years people have been understudy to Ashley. Now it's Ashley's turn to sit back," said Hodgson.

The Three Lions manager acknowledged the increased competition for the full-back positions before elaborating on Shaw.

"Kyle Walker and Leighton Baines are top class players and have played plenty of games," he said.

"Shaw is the obvious one who has been playing last season and has been in the team non-stop since the start of this season.

"It's a bit of a problem when you are a full-back - you either play or you are an understudy," he continued.

Hodgson is set to pick the Southampton left-back for next-month's friendly with Denmark and offer the teenager an opportunity to prove that he should be on the plane to Brazil.

The 18-year-old is yet to make his full England debut but has appeared three times for the England under-21 squad whilst making 25 appearances for the Saints this season.

While recognising the downsides of not playing regular club football, the former Inter Milan, Liverpool and Fulham manager refused to completely write off Cole's World Cup hopes because of his knowledge and experience of the game.

"We know what Ashley can do. We know how fit he keeps himself, how experienced he is.

"I certainly wouldn't write Ashley Cole out of any plans because he wasn't playing in his club team.

"But he will have to accept like everyone else that competition for his place in the club team and international team gets stronger all the time, and I will have a decision to make."

The England manager also confirmed that former captain John Terry would not make a return to the national set-up anytime soon.

"John has retired and as far as I am concerned that is the situation. Retirement is retirement."