Sven: Ashley Cole Should Be Gambled On

Ashley Cole is worth the risk, Sven Goran Eriksson has said.

Ashley Cole is worth gambling on despite his recent injury, according to ex-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson.



The Swede ranks Cole up there with the best in the world in his position and so the left-back's inclusion could have an impact on England's World Cup chances in the eyes of bookmakers.



With the England squad facing a potential shortage in Cole's position following the withdrawal of Wayne Bridge over revelations of John Terry's affair with his ex-girlfriend, the Chelsea player's fitness could become a key factor for bookmakers determining the strength of the England challenge this summer.



Cole, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle, has been forced to deal with trouble in his own private life after newspaper allegations over extra-marital affairs led to his split from his wife, Cheryl.



Eriksson, who famously took David Beckham to the 2002 World Cup and Wayne Rooney in 2006 when question marks hung over their fitness, noted that each case needed to be judged on the available medical evidence.