Ashely Cole will captain England tonight against Ireland, to mark his 100th cap for his country.

Tonight’s game will be Cole’s 102nd cap for his country, with his 100th having come in February against Brazil, but his achievement will be recognised tonight.

Frank Lampard would traditionally have stepped in when Steven Gerrard was unavailable as captain, however Hodgson selected the Cole for tonight’s game to mark a milestone in the left back’s career.

"Frank [Lampard]'s always been the captain in Steven [Gerrad]'s absence. I appointed him when I started over a year ago,” Hodgson said.

"But in actual fact tomorrow, Frank and I have discussed this and Frank's happy for Ashley to lead the team onto the field in celebration of his 100th cap, which he'll receive tomorrow."

This is the first time Ireland have played at Wembley since 1991, and the game, along with another friendly for England against Brazil, is to mark the FA’s 150th anniversary.