Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is crucial for England.

Cole, who has 98 caps, may be rested for what ought to be a ritual slaughter of San Marino at Wembley tomorrow but is sure to return for the game in Poland next Tuesday.

Having drawn at home to Ukraine, England need six points from their two fixtures and manager Roy Hodgson will want to be at maximum strength in Warsaw.

Hart said: "Ashley is one of the best and has been for a long time - so reliable, so fit, so quick and he offers so much.

"I can't even think of a time that's ever been highlighted where a winger or a forward has given Ashley a hard time."