Why you've got to invite Ashley Cole on your stag do‏

Article by e-Football Correspondent Stephen Attridge

You're an England player. You're getting married soon. You're going through the list of who to invite, when suddenly you get to Ashley Cole. You stop and think. What will my future brother in law think of this guy? My old school mates are surely going to find him a bit 'over confident' it could cause a few issues.

The problem is, this guy has been our best player for the last 8 years. You can remember the World Cup in 2002 when after the initial delight at Owens first half goal against Brazil everybody else withered in the heat and struggled to perform. Ashley Cole got better and better as the game went on. His fitness is unbelievable maybe it's a result of spending his summers in Las Vegas, it's certainly hot there...

The bigger the game the better he gets. He may not be captain material despite his experience, but he certainly leads by example. His consistency during the big tournaments and pressure games is impressive. Even now in his 30s and with Leighton Baines hot on his heels it's Ashley Cole that I would pick.

Brilliant defensively, Ronaldo rates him as the best left back he's ever faced, and quality going forwards. Whatever people say about his attitude he gets it right on the pitch and maybe you need it to be that good anyway.

It's a bit like the Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button scenario. You would rather have a lads night out with Jenson but you would rather watch Lewis race. The best sports people have to have that attitude, it makes them what they are; winners.

Sorry son, but you've got to invite Ashley Cole, the guys an inspiration.

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