Did you need another example that the FA live in a nonsense world? How about this: Ashley Cole is being honoured for his 100th England cap with the chance to wear the armband for the Three Lions' friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. Except he won't actually be captaining the side. Confused? You're not the only one.
Cole will lead #eng out at Wembley tomorrow but Lampard will captain the side. Cole clearly does not want the media duties #nosurprise
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 28, 2013
Captain Lampard praises Hodgson's decision to allow Cole to lead #eng out: "It's the perfect gesture". Cole will wear armband until kick-off
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 28, 2013
FA now saying that Cole will wear #eng armband during the match. So he's captain but not captain basically. #confused
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 28, 2013
Naturally, journalists are in a bit of a huff that Ashley Cole doesn't want to talk to them, but in my mind that's a mark in his favour. Either way, though, this is silly. Make Cole captain or don't -- it's not like the captaincy really matters. Doing some weird in-between nonsense just makes you look like you're indecisive and stupid which oh right.
Then again, maybe the FA are choosing to honour Cole by being ludicrous. Considering their past interactions, that would be pretty appropriate.