Baines continues to battle Cole for England spot

Leighton Baines has taken the England left-back shirt by right through his commitment for club and country over the past few months.

You haven't seen Baines caught up in racism scandals or offensive comments on Twitter, or cheating on his girlfriend, or ditching a club for more money, or anything negative.

You simply see Baines working hard for both Everton and England and getting the rewards.

Currently Baines is the best left-back in the Premier League and by rights that makes him England's number one choice at left-back ahead of the controversial Ashley Cole.

On Friday night he kept the shirt and played alongside Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka as England cruised to victory against San Marino at Wembley.

Tomorrow England face Poland and Roy Hodgson has a decision to make, will he hand Ashley Cole his 99th England cap, or will he stick with the ever-dependable Leighton Baines?

'Ashley is a terrific player but in the games I've played I've shown I can come in and do a job as well.' Baines told the media during an England training camp ahead of the Poland game.

He added: 'Of course you want to play more. All I can do is play as well as I can for Everton, and that's all I'm focused on.

'I'll just keep playing as well as I can.'

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