I haven't watched every game England played in 2010 but I can't think of a more consistent performer. I'd have probably voted for him myself.

Out of interest - who would you have voted for?

I'm an Arsenal fan who doesn't have much time for Mr Cole, but, even with my red and whte blinkers on, I can see that he's a fine, fine footballer. He was possibly the only England player who played to his potential in South Africa and he certainly performed at a consistently high level whenever he turned out for England last year.

Besides #1: who else would have been a better choice?

Besides #2: would there really have been enough people interested in this poll to have deliberately sabotaged it to ensure that Cheryl's ex won, as your thread title suggests? I doubt it.

England's only world class player.

He's England's best performer by a country mile. He's not faultless, but if every player performed to as close to their capabilities as Ashley consistently does, then we might have a team.

I don't much like him as a human, but he's been England's best player in the last 12 months. Mind you, I would have given the rest a run for their money and I'm useless.

I am not disputing his qualities as a player: he is an outstanding left back, rarely if ever makes mistakes, 1st choice in his position by a distance (last year - Baines looks closer now). Aside of Frank Lampard and possibly Emile Heskey, is there another England player to provoke as many negative responses (jeers) when he plays?

Given England's totally dismal 2010, it occurred to me that as there was no outstanding candidate* people may have voted tactically as an FU to the FA.

ps I should declare an interest, though unlike most Gooners, I'd have had him back: much better than Clichy.

* By not playing much, Hart and Walcott would have been in with a shout.

Not easy to say that about someone who has played for Arsenal and Chelsea as a Spurs fan, but he is, and has been, the best England player. Would be fascinated to hear an argument against it.

Not a particularly nice man.

Check out Cole (and Terry's) body language immediately after the goalkeeping mistake versus America.
A winner, and one likely to achieve at a major tournament, would have immediately gone up to the keeper and instilled a 'we can do it' vibe through that individual and the rest of the team.
Cole and Terry (with 180 caps between them!!!!!) look sheepish.....and the rest is (entirely predictable) history.

Keep picking Cole et al, England have NO chance.

Also, wasn't it a Bulgarian winger who ran him ragged in the first game after the debacle of the summer?
The guy only had a left foot and so Cashley kept letting him cut inside from the right so he could use his left foot.
Genius!
But when he executed a last ditch tackle the 'experts' called it world class!

he's like a person - never met him - but as a footballer, would echo above comments. He has been the most consistent performer for England, never seems to be taken to the cleaners by anyone and is nearly always a pleasure to watch. Like all good footballers, he makes the game look easy. Do not understand why he should be booed by England 'fans' and not others who have had dubious personal track records, never heard Terry being jeered for instance.