winston,

whats with the negativity dude.

Baines has been the best lb in the PL for the last 2 seasons, he deserves his chance.

I would hardly call Blaszkowski average, he's one of the most underrated players around.

Against weaker teams I'd go for Baines. Against a Brazil or a Portugal, I'd go for Cole.

In games against sides england are expected to win/dominate i'd play baines. He adds an extra dimension down that left side.

Ashley Cole of a few years ago would pretty much always deserve first choice but Baines has risen while Cole has declined.

Baines should be the first choice left back.

You think Le Tiss only watches England matches?

Baines has been fantastic for 2 seasons and is better than Cole, based on his form over a prolonged period.

He carries so much more attacking threat, something we are lacking from all the LW options at present time.

Dunc _ im a good boy (U11713)

Negativity?

I don't think I'm being negative.

Also, for me it says something that Baines has been in the Team of the season for the past 2 years.

Okay, to those who are saying that they'd play Baines when England are expected to dominate - fair enough... but:

It's likely that we will face a top side in our group, and possibly a South American side as well. In both of those games, we'd be unlikely to dominate.

Would you chop and change the defence for one group game? I wouldn't.

I would play Baines over Cole in any game. He's surpassed Cole in the last 3 years.

Ji Sung Park's Cousin (U2958)

On what basis do you say Cole has declined?

For me, he remains the best left back in the prem - comfortably.

I think people are seduced a little by Baines' attacking play, which, ultimately, should be a secondary consideration for International football imo.

It's not as if Cole is useless going forward.

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Amazed that people would play Baines over Cole in their best England side.

Genuinely amazed.

why are you amazed? He's hardly paul konchesky is he?

Andy Carrot (U2440)

I think Cole is by far a better defender.

Baines offers a better delivery - but I don't see what else.

Are people choosing Baines because of the delivery, or because they think he's a better defender?

If it's the former, I think people need to get their priorities in check!

Baines has been voted by his fellow pro's the best left back in the league for the past 2 years so I reckon they know what they're talking about

On what basis do you say Cole has declined?
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The same as most ageing full backs... He has slowed down, which means he is caught out of position more and more when trying to support the LW.

Cole was at his best when he could support the LW all the way to the opposition's box.... The beauty of Baines is that he doesn't have to progress that far up the pitch to influence play... He can swing balls in from 30 yards out and be in a good position, defensively, if the opposition win the ball back and counter.

Cole is having similar problems to Evra, he's struggling to keep up with the game and as a result he's often out of position, Baines on the other hand has energy to burn, he never runs out of steam and he finishes the game how he starts it. He's a better threat attacking wise and if he's out of position he busts a gut getting back.

So one person rates cole above baines. Makes you think who is wrong. That one person or eveyone else

Robb Marmite (U9808)

I also reckon they're influenced by the same things the general public are i.e. Baines' attacking play.

Or shall we just take that team as gospel and all go home?

I understand why you rate Cole above him mate just don't get why you think its such an undebateable topic.

Mr Reasonable (U2320)

One person?

Yep, that's it. The entire world thinks Baines is better apart from me.

Thanks for your insight.

Winston, do you think baines cant defend?

Ji Sung Park's Cousin (U2958)

Fair enough, but I don't agree. I've seen Cole live twice this season and not sure about getting caught up in position, nor not getting forward?

I agree Baines isn't a great defender btw