Everton FC and England player Leighton Baines
LEIGHTON BAINES has set his sights on holding onto the England left-back role but the Everton FC left-back still expects Ashley Cole to reach the 100-cap mark.
Baines turned in another impressive performance during Friday night’s 5-0 win over minnows San Marino in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
The Everton player has started all four internationals since the Euro 2012 finals as Cole nurses an ankle problem, and now looks a genuine contender for the number three shirt.
It has given Baines a hunger to make further appearances for his country but he anticipates Cole becoming the sixth England player to win 100 caps sooner rather than later.
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He also admits playing regular European football would also help his cause with England.
Baines said: “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.
“It would be nice to hold onto the shirt if I can. You want to play so, the more games you play, the happier you are.
“I’ve started the last few games so I’m very happy with that.
“Do I want more of this? Of course. It’s natural. Everyone wants to play so getting the games recently has been nice.”
Baines admitted: “It has been a long wait for me but Ashley has deserved every one of his 98 caps and hopefully he will reach the 100 mark because he deserves it.
“I don’t think I will be denying him that. It will happen. Ashley is a top player and I’m sure he will get to the milestone.
“I’ve no idea if I can challenge him. All I can do is play as well as I can for Everton and that’s all I’m really focused on.
“Over the course of a season your form level will ebb and flow a bit. It’s already done that. I’ve had a couple of games where I’ve not played as well as in others.”
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