Ashley Cole out with ankle fracture

England manager Fabio Capello said Ashley Cole's left-ankle fracture could be a bad blow to the Three Lions' preparations for the World Cup.

Chelsea left-back Cole will be out of action until early or mid-May and he may not be match fit in time for the World Cup which kicks off in mid-June.

"It is sad news for me because he is a very important player," Capello said.

"He is good when he defending and really dangerous when we go forward. I hope this problem will not be so serious."

Cole's injury, suffered in a defeat by Everton on Wednesday.

Cole's absence could make matters worse for England as his under-study at left-back for Eng;and is Wayne Bridge whose former partner had an affair with John Terry, who was stripped of his post as England captain.