Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux says Ashley Cole will prove himself the best left-back in the world at the World Cup.

Former Chelsea and England left-back Le Saux says Cole will show in South Africa he is world class.

Le Saux said: "He's playing in one of the best teams in Europe, one of the best countries in the world and he clearly stands out.

"This summer gives him a fantastic opportunity to prove he's the best full-back in the world - he's had his best club season.

"He suffered a nasty ankle injury, and in his first game back it was almost as if he hadn't been out. To do that shows the quality of the player.

"His work-rate, his work-ethic is incredible.

"Going forward as a defender, to create an extra man, or space so other people either use you or use you as a ­diversion makes him so valuable in internationals when teams tend to be more disciplined.

"He'll be England's No.3 for a long time to come."