Chelsea star fullback Ashley Cole is "in the pits" over wife Cheryl's decision to proceed with divorce action.

The defender, 29, flew to a training camp in Austria on Wednesday in a "foul mood" as he believed his marriage could be saved - even AFTER the singer said she wanted a divorce.

A close friend told The Sun: "The split has left Ashley in the pits. He thought he was invincible - Cheryl proved him wrong.

"He's furious with the world at the moment and is not in a good frame of mind.

"But the lads will turn it around for him so he's ready for South Africa."

The source also said: "He thought there would be another chance to sort things out. But the timing of Cheryl filing for divorce is no coincidence. While he is away and concentrating on the World Cup, there will be little opportunity for him to contact his ex wife.

"Ashley's a broken man. But he knows he has a vital role in the England campaign."