SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes Roy Hodgson was right to leave Ashley Cole out of the England squad for the World Cup.

The experienced Chelsea left-back  was omitted from the 23-man party for this summer’s tournament in Brazil announced yesterday.

And Brown would also have selected both Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw ahead of the long-serving defender.

“I think I would have done the same as Roy has done regarding Ashley Cole,” said Brown.

“That’s not to say I’m not a fan of Ashley because he’s a fabulous player and he’s had a fantastic career.

“But I was at the England game with Denmark in March and I think Luke Shaw produced a performance that night which warranted his inclusion and you have to take Leighton Baines after the season he’s just had.”

Cole has since announced his retirement from international football and Brown believes Hodgson has also done the right thing is picking quite a young squad for the summer.

“I’ve never really said this before in my lifetime but the Football Association have got it right by allowing Roy to plan for the future,” said Brown.

“It’s a mostly young squad but the experience will do them good when it comes to the next European Championships and then the World Cup after that.

“There are some very talented youngsters around and I think the future looks bright again now