Moyes backs Baines’ England call-up

(GSM) – Everton manager David Moyes has backed left-back Leighton Baines for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old, who featured in Fabio Capello’s squad twice last year, could make the squad following Ashley Cole’s injury.

Cole fractured his ankle during Chelsea’s defeat at Everton on Wednesday and will now face a fitness race for the tournament in South Africa.

Moyes, speaking before Cole was injured, said, “I think the England left-backs will be Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge and then I think it is toss-up between Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines.

“I think Bainesy on his day is a match for any of them and I know Fabio Capello knows about him. He is certainly in and around the reckoning.

“He has been a very consistent player for us this season, as he was last year. I think Bainesy is one of the players who has kept a good level of performance even when things weren’t going well.”