Everton FC News: David Moyes back Leighton Baines to make England return

Feb 12 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC News:DAVID MOYES is convinced Leighton Baines can force his way back into Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans – on the day Ashley Cole was ruled out for three months.

First-choice England left-back Cole will be sidelined until mid-May after scans yesterday revealed that he suffered a fractured left ankle when tackled by Landon Donovan in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Everton on Wednesday night.

The former Arsenal man then faces a race against time to be fit for England’s opening World Cup game against the United States, for whom Donovan is the all-time leading goalscorer.

And that has opened the door for the alternative left-back options to stake their claim before Fabio Capello names his 23-man squad for South Africa.

Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge and Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock have been favoured by the Italian of late, with Baines out of favour since his first England call-up last April.

Baines did not see any playing time in either the friendly against Slovakia or the qualifier against Ukraine, and has been absent from subsequent England squads.

But Moyes believes the 25-year-old’s form is deserving of a recall for next month’s Wembley friendly against Egypt.

“Leighton Baines has been our most consistent player all season,” said the Goodison manager.

“I am sure he is in the thoughts of the England manager.

“I don’t think anybody would be surprised if he is in the squad for the Egypt game. He has got Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and Stephen Warnock who he may need to climb over to get there – but he won’t let anyone down.”

Meanwhile, Everton are still waiting to ascertain the full extent of the injury Belgium international midfielder Marouane Fellaini suffered during Saturday’s Merseyside derby.