Defender start on the cards

Everton's highly rated left back Leighton Baines is finally set for his competitive debut for England against Moldova on Friday.

The much sought after left-back, strongly linked to Manchester United over the summer, made his England debut two and a half years ago but has yet to feature in a match that was not a friendly. Now with the injury to Ashley Cole, he has an ankle problem that will keep him of Friday's game, Baines is set to start at last, although he accepts it maybe just a temporary role. "Ashley has been fantastic over the years," he said. "It has been difficult for anyone to get a look in. "The main thing, for club and country, is his consistency. "He is one of the first names on the team sheet because he is such a reliable performer. He is an eight out of 10 minimum every week. "We often depend on him."