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ENGLAND'S DREAM TEAM

Player Profiles: Left Backs

PLAYER:Mick Mills

BORN:Godalming, 1949

TEAMS:Ipswich Town, Southampton, Stoke City

CAPS:42

With Keggy Keegan injured, 33-year-old Mick Mills proudly led England in Spain 82. Although the New Romantics and Duran Duran were riding high in the charts, Millsy sensibly stuck with the moustache and comb-over that had served him so well the previous decade. The versatile defender could play on either side of the back four, his rather short bow legs scuttling him through a career of some distinction.

PLAYER:Kenny Sansom

BORN:Camberwell, 1958

TEAMS:Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United, QPR, Coventry City, Everton, Brentford, Watford

CAPS:86

A firm favourite with the Highbury faithful, Kenny Samson played just under 400 games for the Gunners. Many believe he was the most gifted left back England ever had, quick and decisive at the back and skilful going forward. He had a throw-in as long as your arm, if not longer. A brilliant crosser of the ball, he sported a fabulous comedy moustache toward the end of his career.

PLAYER:Stuart Pearce

BORN:Shepherd's Bush, 1962

TEAMS:Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Manchester City, West Ham United

CAPS:77, 5 goals

Pearce's thighs were so big that rumour had it he'd been created in a lab by a mad scientist. In fact, he came up the hard way, through non-league football. Frightening in the tackle, fearsome from free kicks, Pearce was an inspirational leader. Rarely had a bad game and if he did everyone was too scared to tell him. Had the bottle to take that penalty at Euro 96, which led to that cracking shouty celebration.

PLAYER:Ray Wilson

BORN:Shirebrook, 1934

TEAMS:Huddersfield Town, Everton, Oldham Athletic

CAPS:63

Never one to seek the limelight, Ray Wilson epitomised Sir Alf's 66 team with his mixture of modesty and quiet competence. Back when playing in the Second Division was no bar to international success, he served under Bill Shankly at Huddersfield, he was instrumental in the 'Wingless Wonders' formation. His quiet demeanour led to a successful career as an undertaker after football - whereas it seems doubtful if many of today's players could be trusted with a corpse.

PLAYER:Ashley Cole

BORN:Stepney, 1980

TEAMS:Arsenal

CAPS:24

A left back in the Kenny Samson mould, Ashley Cole has established himself in the current England team as Eriksson's first choice. Quick and skilful, he attacks like a winger and his oft-criticised defensive play is improving. He can't be that bad a defender if he's first choice at Arsenal and England, and though he still makes the odd slip he seems to have worked on his naughty temper. Often tries to unnerve the opposition by shrieking loudly when tackled.

PLAYER:Terry Cooper

BORN:Castleford, 1944

TEAMS:Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Doncaster Rovers

CAPS:20

Terry Cooper joined Leeds as a left winger before converting to left back. An elegant player, he was better going forward than back, but made up for his defensive flaws with timing and a good football brain. He became a great success for England and excelled in Mexico 70. Made his mark on history by both scoring a superb volley in the 68 League Cup Final and featuring in a song by The Men They Couldn't Hang.

PLAYER:Roger Byrne

BORN:Manchester, 1929

TEAMS:Manchester United

CAPS:33

Roger Byrne would have graced any team in any era, such was his talent. A classy defender, he also scored more than his fair share of goals. Though right-footed he played at left back until his life was tragically cut short in the Munich air disaster of 1958. He was quick both physically and mentally and was one of the most accomplished defenders to play for England. As captain of the Busby Babes he was the first to lead an English club into Europe.

PLAYER:Graeme Le Saux

POSITION:Left back

BORN:Jersey 1974

TEAMS:Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Southampton

CAPS:36, 1 goal

Still plying his trade in the Premier League, apparently, Le Saux is another full back who converted from midfield with great success. His Guardian-reading persona belies his spiky on-field character. He's been responsible for some spiteful challenges and the occasional punch, famously on David Batty when they were playing on the same team. Good touch and a wicked cross, but can you forgive the 'challenge' that let Petrescu score against England in France 98?

PLAYER:Wayne Bridge

BORN:Southampton, 1980

TEAMS:Southampton, Chelsea

CAPS:16

You may well ask why Wayne Bridge is included when he can't make the current England team, but there are those who think he should be picked ahead of Cole every time. He probably has the edge as a defender, plus he has a good left foot and a dangerous cross. Like Cole, he is still young and learning, and the debate will probably continue until we are able to blame a really crucial defeat on one or other of them.

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