Fabio Capello has hailed Ashley Cole as "one of the best left-backs in the world" as he prepares to equal a record in England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on Tuesday.
Cole will equal Kenny Sansom's 22-year-old record for the most caps won by an England full-back when he makes his 86th international appearance in the Wembley encounter.
The Chelsea defender made his England debut in March 2001 in a World Cup qualifier against Albania in Tirana.
He was struck by a cigarette lighter thrown from the terraces during a 3-1 win.
The 29-year-old played in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Euro 2004.
Cole has never been the most popular player with England supporters but has been a model of consistency for club and country.
Capello said: "Ashley Cole is one of the best left-backs in the world. The number of caps he has won is not a surprise to me.
"Ashley is good in so many ways. He's good when he has to defend. He's really good going forward.
"He's intelligent and good with his movement. When he has the ball, no problems. He can move.
"He's good when he has to defend but also good when he gets to the box. He understands how to play a pass.
"Other players don't know what to do when they get in that position.
"But Ashley is always dangerous with his passes. He is an important player."
