Ashley Cole set for induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame | OneFootball

Legendary Chelsea, Arsenal and England full-back Ashley Cole is set for induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame next month.

Cole will be inducted on the 19th March at St. George’s Park ahead of an England U21’s training session.

The 44-year-old said: “I am honoured to be inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame and would like to thank those who put forward the nomination.

“Any form of recognition of this stature is always an enormous privilege but it is particularly special to be listed alongside some of the greatest names to have ever played the game.

“I was incredibly proud of the achievements throughout my playing career and hope to continue to make an impact on the game through my next chapter in coaching.”

Ashley Cole’s illustrious career began at his boyhood club Arsenal, where he won two Premier League trophies and three FA Cup’s.

He then joined Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2006 and picked up the League Cup a year later, before winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and four FA Cup’s in his 338 games for the Blues. This made Cole the most successful player in the history of the men’s FA Cup.

Internationally, he is part of the Three Lions’ hundred club, amassing 107 caps in an England career which spanned 13 years.

He played for England at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, UEFA Euro 2004 (where he was named as one of four England players in the all-star squad for the tournament) and UEFA Euro 2012.

Cole’s defensive nous and attacking prowess set a benchmark for full-backs worldwide and he retired in 2019 with a reputation as one of the best left-backs to have ever played the game.

Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Ashley Cole’s impact on English football cannot be overstated. He redefined the full-back role and inspired countless players with his ability, consistency, and career successes.

“Inducting Ashley into the Hall of Fame at St. George’s Park, where the future of English football is shaped, an area Ashley has committed himself to, feels like a fitting tribute to his incredible legacy.”