Chelsea defender Cole's tackle on Spurs defender Alan Hutton in the 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane last Wednesday resulted in a yellow card and, more controversially, an apparent disregard by the England full-back for what referee Mike Riley was telling him.

For former England coach Robson, it was beyond the pale - and he thinks Cole's elimination from this week's friendly against France would be a fair response.

Robson told the Mail on Sunday: "I would be happy to see an England team line up against France without Ashley Cole.

"It would hammer home the message that what he did was unacceptable.

"Not being picked would be a huge blow for Cole, and it would show him and everyone else that the manager is not allowing that sort of behaviour.

"Cole's tackle was atrocious - it was a red-card offence. But he made things worse by arguing with the referee. He then showed a complete lack of respect by turning his back on him. It was disgraceful."