FA chairman David Bernstein has insisted that England manager Roy Hodgson is free to select Ashley Cole for England's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

Bernstein revealed on Tuesday morning that the Chelsea full-back had personally apologised to him after Cole had branded the Football Association a "bunch of twats".

Cole has also received an FA misconduct charge for the offensive remark, but Bernstein has insisted that Cole remains available to play for England.

Bernstein said: "He is free to play for England over the coming matches. It is up to the manager whether he plays or not."

England host San Marino on Friday evening before they travel to Poland on Tuesday for a match thst could be Cole's 100th international cap.