Cole to lead England

Ashley Cole will captain England against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday in celebration of his 100th cap.

However there was initial confusion over the defender's new role at Tuesday's announcement.

In the absence of regular captain Steven Gerrard, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was expected to walk the players out at Wembley, only for manager Roy Hodgson to confirm Cole would "lead the team onto the field". Thirty-two-year-old Cole will in fact skipper the side for the duration of the match, despite a rather puzzling unveiling from his manager.

Hodgson told Sky Sports News: "Frank's always been the captain in Steve's absence. I appointed him when I started over a year ago.

"But in actual fact tomorrow, Frank and I have discussed this and Frank's happy for Ashley to lead the team onto the field in celebration of his 100th cap, which he'll receive tomorrow.

"It's actually his 102nd appearance. Frank and I are happy that he will lead the team out there but Frank still remains the captain of the team."

Hodgson was later quizzed further and stated that Cole, and not Lampard, would captain the team throughout.

Source : http://www.football.co.uk/england/cole_to_lead_england_rss4226274.shtml