Ashley Cole returns to action for Chelsea

Ashley Cole returned to Chelsea's starting line-up on Sunday for the first time since breaking his ankle in February in a timely boost for England's World Cup campaign.

Cole, England's first-choice left-back, has undergone intense rehabilitation since suffering the injury in the 2-1 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on February 10.

He was named in the starting team for Sunday's Premier League game against Stoke at Stamford Bridge, a match the Londoners have to win to return to the top of the table after Manchester United's 3-1 win over Spurs on Saturday.

The World Cup starts in South Africa on June 11.