Roy Hodgson: 'Luke Shaw can emulate Ashley Cole'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 09 September 2015

England manager Roy Hodgson suggests that Luke Shaw could emulate Ashley Cole and go on to win a century of caps for his country at left-back.

England manager Roy Hodgson has backed Luke Shaw to emulate Ashley Cole and win 100 caps for his country.

Cole was regarded as England's first-choice left-back for the vast majority of his 13-year international career, going on to make 107 appearances for the Three Lions to sit joint-fifth in the all-time list.

Shaw has seemingly established himself in that role now, helped by an injury to Everton full-back Leighton Baines, and Hodgson believes that he is starting to show why Manchester United shelled out £30m for him after a difficult campaign last season.

"He's still only 20 and if he keeps going then he's on track to be another Ashley Cole, a 100-cap man and I would advise him to study Ashley Cole, look at what Ashley did for England and set my sights on the same thing," Hodgson is quoted as saying by PA.

"I think he's been a bit harshly treated personally. He didn't look as if he was looking after himself too badly at Southampton and played well enough to get the £30m move. I'm not certain I want to jump on that bandwagon. But it's nice to see him back, playing confidently and showing him the form that got him the move to Manchester United in the first place.

"We've always believed in him. I thought he played very well against Costa Rica and was pencilled in as the player who could give Leighton Baines a run for his money but he had a tough season. It must have been tough for him and his family but it might benefit him."

Shaw currently has six England caps to his name, having featured in both of their recent Euro 2016 qualifying wins over San Marino and Switzerland.