Moyes backs Baines for England
Posted Friday, February 12, 2010 by PA
Everton manager David Moyes has backed left-back Leighton Baines' claims for a place in England's World Cup squad.
The 25-year-old, who twice featured in Fabio Capello's squad last year, could force his way into the reckoning following injury to first-choice Ashley Cole. Cole fractured his ankle playing in Chelsea's defeat at Everton on Wednesday and now faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the tournament in South Africa.
Moyes, speaking before Cole's injury, said: "I think the England left-backs will be Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge and then I think it is toss-up between Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines."
He added: "I think Bainesy on his day is a match for any of them and I know Fabio Capello knows about him. He is certainly in and around the reckoning.
"He has been a very consistent player for us this season, as he was last year.
"I think Bainesy is one of the players who has kept a good level of performance even when things weren't going well."
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say