Sansom backs Ashley to stand out on his own

"I think he's an outstanding player with a great future and an impressive will to win. His desire and commitment is one of the things I most admire.

"I like to think that he's a bit like me in that, when the team is suffering, or stuck in a goalless draw, he really makes things happen. He picks the ball up and goes on one of those attacking runs that force defenders into errors and creates space for others.

"You feel it's never dull when Ashley's on the ball. Remember that headed goal for Arsenal against Kiev in the Champions League? That was a critical moment for Arsenal.

"You saw the other side of him against Portugal in the summer. I thought he made a fantastic job of marking Ronaldo. He didn't give him a kick that day.

"People used to question his defensive abilities, but he's sorted that out. It was just a matter of positioning and timing, but he's improved both aspects of his game. He's as good a defender as I've seen in an England shirt in recent years."

Cole, who forms a highly effective left-wing partnership with Robert Pires at Arsenal, is an unassuming young man who is slowly adjusting to his status alongside the world's elite defenders.

"People talk about me as world class, but I don't know about that," he said. "Hopefully one day I'll be up there, perhaps as good as Roberto Carlos. But at the moment I'm still learning. I can get better. I don't dive about as much as I used to. I'm focusing more on my defensive duties.

"It helps to be playing in a defence as good as ours, with players like Rio, Sol and Gary. I feel more comfortable now, a real part of the team."

Cole, who made his England debut in a 3-1 win over Albania in March 2001, began his career with dreams of developing as a goalscoring striker. It was while in the Arsenal youth squad that he was identified as a potential left-back. His natural attacking instinct means that he's also comfortable on the left side of midfield - a role he may be asked to play against Azerbaijan.

Wayne Bridge's continued absence through injury could yet see Cole move further forward, with Ledley King deputising at leftback. This depends, however, on Sven-Goran Eriksson's formation.

Cole insists he is more comfortable at left-back. "That's my position and I love playing there," he said. "Wayne and I have a good understanding and it would be nice to establish a partnership with him on the left, like Gary and David Beckham on the right."

Cole could renew his dual with Ronaldo - and Neville - when defending champions Arsenal meet United at Old Trafford on Sunday week. By that time Arsenal could be bidding for a 50th unbeaten Premiership game.

Wayne Rooney, then with Everton, ended Arsenal's last unbeaten run with a fabulous goal two seasons ago. Could it happen again?

"I hope not, but the way he's playing you couldn't rule it out," said Cole. "He's young and still learning, but now everyone is aware of what he can do."