Hoddle will not punish Cole for press attack

Manchester United striker Andy Cole still has a future with England - but whether he actually reaches the team remains to be seen.

England coach Glenn Hoddle refused to castigate the 27 year old striker after the 2-0 win against the Czech Republic on Wednesday for comments made in 'The Sun' newspaper that the Hoddle was a 'coward' for not picking Cole to play in the game. The United striker angrily dismissed criticisms of his game in the interview and claimed he may not respond to another international call-up after achieving two England caps.

Hoddle said after the World Cup in his 'World Cup Diaries' book that Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton would never play for England while he was coach after pulling out of an England 'B' international. The taunts of Cole have not provoked similar ire from Hoddle despite their prominence and severity.

After the defeat of the Czech Republic though Cole has fallen behind the strike partnership of veteran Ian Wright and the in-form Dion Dublin. They in turn are competing against the injured first choice of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen while Emile Heskey and Robbie Fowler are also in Hoddle's thoughts.