Cole told to ditch Twitter, thinks England spot safe

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been advised to quit Twitter after derogatory comments he posted on the social network site risked putting his future with club and country on the line.

PA PhotosAshley Cole has 98 caps for England but his future with the national team is not certain

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Cole labelled the Football Association a "bunch of t***s'' on Friday for accusing him of "evolving" his statement supporting John Terry's defence against the charge he racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

The England left-back swiftly apologised for his remarks but is facing disciplinary action from both Chelsea and the FA, with club boss Roberto Di Matteo confirming on Saturday that the Blues are likely to punish him.

Cole's place in the Three Lions team has also been brought into question but the player does not believe the incident will negatively impact his international career, though he has now been told to ditch Twitter for good to avoid any further embarrassment.

An ESPN source said: "Ashley was advised immediately when the FA released their detailed account of the John Terry verdict, which clearly implicated Ashley, that is would be in his best interest to keep quiet.

"He agreed that he would make no comment but 20 minutes after the advice from all sides, including his lawyers, he tweeted. He has been told for some time he should abandon Twitter, and he is being advised again to do so.

"There is no way should he be left out by England, though, and there has been no indication from the England manager that he would be."

Hodgson sung Cole's praises when he announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland on Thursday, but just 24 hours later he had to phone Cole to discuss the repercussions of the defender's tweet.

When contacted by ESPN, the FA refused to confirm or deny that Cole's position in the England team is under review, with a spokesman saying: "We have no comment to make, and maybe there will be an update in the early part of the week."

Cole is due to make his 99th appearance for England against San Marino next week and then join the exclusive 100-club in the vital tie in Poland, but at a time when his efforts for the national team over the past 12 years should be being recognised, he is instead facing the possibility of an FA charge.