Fabio Capello is playing a patient, waiting game, but is still convinced he will have both his first choice left-backs, Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge, in his 23-man World Cup squad.
After losing David Beckham through injury this weekend, the England boss is concentrating on formulating his strongest possible squad for South Africa - and that still includes Cole and Bridge.
Cole is facing a race against time to be fit following a foot injury, while Bridge has taken the decision to make himself unavailable in light of the allegations that concerned John Terry and his former girlfriend.
An FA insider told Soccernet: "We believe that Ashley Cole will be back playing in time for the World Cup, and this is good news.
"There is still plenty of time for Wayne Bridge to think again about his decision not to want to play for England again. There is enough time for him to think about it.
"There is no rush, we are not rushing him, and I am sure Fabio will want to talk to him personally, in the hope that he will change his mind."
Capello has also invited Beckham to play again for England in the European Championship qualifiers in the autumn, which is the earliest point at which the then 35-year-old midfielder could be expected to play again.
"We hope he will be fit for next year," the England manager told Sky Sports News. "I hope he will be fit for the Euros because he is one of the best players in England."
After losing David Beckham through injury this weekend, the England boss is concentrating on formulating his strongest possible squad for South Africa - and that still includes Cole and Bridge.
Cole is facing a race against time to be fit following a foot injury, while Bridge has taken the decision to make himself unavailable in light of the allegations that concerned John Terry and his former girlfriend.
An FA insider told Soccernet: "We believe that Ashley Cole will be back playing in time for the World Cup, and this is good news.
"There is still plenty of time for Wayne Bridge to think again about his decision not to want to play for England again. There is enough time for him to think about it.
"There is no rush, we are not rushing him, and I am sure Fabio will want to talk to him personally, in the hope that he will change his mind."
Capello has also invited Beckham to play again for England in the European Championship qualifiers in the autumn, which is the earliest point at which the then 35-year-old midfielder could be expected to play again.
"We hope he will be fit for next year," the England manager told Sky Sports News. "I hope he will be fit for the Euros because he is one of the best players in England."
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