Ashley Cole faces do-or-die Atletico audition for Chelsea and England future

By Charlie Skillen for MailOnline

Published: 08:41 EDT, 22 April 2014 | Updated: 11:37 EDT, 22 April 2014

The finest left-back of his generation, Ashley Cole probably didn’t think he would face a do-or-die audition for club and country this season.

But as Chelsea are pitted against a rampant Atletico Madrid side in the Champions League semi-finals, Cole must come in from the cold to deliver one of his vintage displays.

Early on in this campaign, Cole was ousted from his spot by Cesar Azpilicueta, a natural right-back. The Spaniard’s tireless displays have ensured he has kept his starting berth, while Cole has had to contend with a severely limited role.

Last chance saloon: Chelsea's Ashley Cole may start in their Champions League semi-final at Atletico Madrid

Up for it: Cole lost his place in the Chelsea team to Cesar Azpilicueta (right) earlier in the season

Likewise, the Cole-or-Baines England debate is no longer relevant, with the Everton man enjoying another excellent season and surely in place to be Roy Hodgson’s No 3.

The new question is Cole or Luke Shaw. With the teenage Southampton prodigy justifying the £30million snooping of Manchester United and – yes – Chelsea, it remains a possibility that Cole may not even make it to Brazil as reserve left-back.

That could all change Tuesday night. With Branislav Ivanovic suspended, Cole could return to his left-back spot, with Azpilicueta switching to the right flank.

International class: Everton's Leighton Baines (right) has established himself as England's first choice left-back

Young gun: Southampton's Luke Shaw (right) could oust Cole for a place in England's World Cup squad

Unless David Luiz plays in an unfamiliar right-back role, Mourinho will turn to old favourite Cole.

If he can make the same kind of contribution as he did in the run-up to Chelsea winning the Champions League in 2012, the England man will surely be right back in the manager’s good books.

Cole’s goal-line clearance at Napoli to stop the Italians having a truly unassailable 4-1 lead in that year’s last-16 clash was as important as any goal on the road to Munich.

Food for thought: Jose Mourinho (left) has to decide who will replace the suspended Branislav Ivanovic (right)

Azpilicueta has been sensational since his redeployment, but he’s made mistakes in two recent crucial games that Cole possibly wouldn’t have.

In Chelsea’s last European trip, he limply let Ezequiel Lavezzi through for PSG’s potentially crucial third goal.

In Saturday’s dismal, title-bid destroying loss against Sunderland, he turned awkwardly against Jozy Altidore and attempted a last-ditch tackle, conceding the hotly-disputed decisive penalty. A natural left-footer may have faced the challenge straight on.

Rash challenge: Azpilicueta's (bottom) gave away the penalty that lead to Sunderland's winner on Saturday

With Nemanja Matic ineligible, Cole would be the only left-footed player in the Blues’ line-up.

The three-time Premier League winner will have his work cut out. Atletico’s right flank sees the tricky Koke cutting inside to provide chances for talisman Diego Costa, while Juanfran poses a wide attacking threat from his full-back position.

Be part of an invaluable Chelsea clean sheet and Cole will have passed the test with flying colours, putting himself back in the frame for the crucial remaining games of the season. He would provide a large dose of the winning mentality so lacking against Sunderland.

Dangerous: If Cole does start, he will have to defend against Atletico's top goalscorer this season Diego Costa

It would also send a crucial message to Roy Hodgson, fresh from Shaw’s deserved nomination for Young Player of the Year.

World Cups are not the time to be handing out experience for the sake of it. They’re the time for your most vital players to stand up and be counted in the ultimate pressure-cooker. That’s Cole’s bread and butter.

They won’t get bigger than the Vicente Calderon Stadium clash if Cole is selected. With the chance of another year at Chelsea on the table, the decade’s best left-back must grasp this last chance to reclaim his role for club and country.