Fabio Capello is crossing his fingers that Ashley Cole recovers from his broken ankle in time to make this summer's World Cup.
And so too is John Terry!
Cole underwent surgery yesterday on an injury picked up at Everton on Wednesday that is set to keep him out for three months.
It would give Capello a headache as Cole would have had no match practice heading into the final two friendlies before departure for South Africa ... and the obvious replacement is none other than Wayne Bridge!
Capello: "It is sad news for me because he is a very important player.
"He is good when he defending and really dangerous when we go forward. I hope this problem will not be so serious."
England pay African Nations Cup winners Egypt at Wembley on March 3, and Wayne Bridge is generally regarded as Cole's understudy.
Yet it is only last week John Terry was sacked as skipper for an alleged dalliance with Bridge's former girlfriend.
Although Bridge has vowed not to speak about the issue, it was claimed the 29-year-old was uncomfortable with the thought of sharing a dressing room with Terry.