Rivalry with Cole has inspired Baines

Got to be honest I think Baines is still feeling his way into international football. A little like he took time to get up and running for us.

Its a confidence thing, sometimes he looks as if hes not letting his game flow. Although that to a certain extent can only come with games, plus you don't play with players regularly to build up a relationship or understanding with them.

Its going to be VERY difficult to unseat Cole. He isn't what he was for me, but he has European pedigree, loads of tournament experience and has virtually done it all.

Despite all the shit he comes with he is, for me got to go down as one of the best English players of the last 25 years. He could have played for anyone.

Btw the decision to leave Baines out of the last world cup squad was a JOKE!! Capello and his staff couldnt have scouted him that much, although in the friendlies prior to the announcement Baines wasnt helped by Gerrard playing left hand and doing his usual of going wherever the fuck he liked and running around like a schoolboy whenever he plays for England, therefore leaving Baines totally exposed and without cover.

Finally, Drew what the fuck are you smoking?

Even if Fellaini scores a hat trick in every game this season, he will still get criticism.

Baines has done virtually nothing wrong

Drew - where do we start? The ability to reach the byline and cross or cut back a ball marks out a player as one of the best there is. Baines does this against some of the best defences in football time and time again. He is a star.

I can't go on. Its a bit like Father Ted trying to explain the difference between cows which are small and cows which look small because they're far away.

But having said that, Leighton hasn't only become a great attacking wing-back, he's worked on his defensive game too. His covering and general positioning are much better than they used to be and he seems to win the ball more often than he did. Not a big bloke, he does get done in the air on deep crosses now and then, but there aren't many FB's that doesn't apply to.

Keith 175 - nice FT reference 'No Dougal, these ones are small but those are far away'

Cole's the better defender, Baines the better attacker. I did notice last game Bainesy played that Defoe constantly vacated the area when Baines got in the final third and there was no one for him to aim his crosses at. If England had a presence in the opponent's box it would bring out the best in Baines.

True enough, because we're talking about Baines the Blue. He looks so isolated when he plays for England - talk about ploughing a lone furrow. Still, that's their problem, not EFC's. So long, as we all hope, he doesn't pick up an injury.

He dominates that side of the pitch: it's just a shame that, at times, he's a little suspect defensively.

But the guy is immense, just incredible, going forwards.