Ashley Cole has warned England fans to look out for Kieran Richardson.
Ashley Cole has warned England fans to look out for Kieran Richardson on the American tour.
The Arsenal defender picked the Manchester United youngster out for special praise ahead of Saturday's live Sky Sports 1 international friendly with USA.
Richardson impressed on loan at West Brom last term and, with Owen Hargreaves and David Beckham unavailable for the United States clash, and Stewart Downing pulling out of the squad through injury, there could be an opportunity for the left-sided 20-year-old.
"It's definitely positive," enthused the full back to Sky Sports News. "We've got great young players here.
"Kieran Richardson looks a great player and there are many others. Peter Crouch has come in and I know him from years ago.
"They are good players and hopefully we can bond and get ready if we get chosen to go to the World Cup.
"I'll help them if they need anything but they are experienced in their own way.
"They've played a lot of games for their Premiership clubs now. The main thing is they know the set-up here, that's the important thing.
"But they've been in their clubs a long time now and are probably used to it."
Cole is backing Arsenal team-mate Sol Campbell to prove he is still worthy of a place in England's first choice XI despite the emergence of John Terry as a potentially world-class performer.
"I think it's really important," he said of Campbell. "He's had a lot of criticism with people saying he won't get back in the team but he's a great player and a strong character and hopefully he can prove he is still one of the best.
"We want to keep winning and keep our winning streak going. We're not going to come here to lose.
"We're all focused and willing to win so it should be good."
