Football: Arsenal would defeat England'.

Byline: MARK BRADLEY 

ASHLEY COLE believes Arsenal would beat England if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side ever faced the champions.

Asked if he would expect Arsenal to beat England, he admitted: "I've got to say yes.

"We've got a great team with England but with Arsenal there are some unbelievable players with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and now Jose Reyes.

"We've got a great team and great youngsters. So we think we can retain the title again as we want to be known as champions and unbelievable players." MARK HUGHES welcomes back John Hartson and Craig Bellamy with open arms for tonight's friendly against Latvia as his team prepare for their World Cup campaign.

Wales' best front partnership have constantly been affected by injuries and have played together in just four of 14 internationals since their masterful double act shot down Italy in Cardiff almost two years ago.

So for boss Hughes to have the pair fit and reunited to take on the Euro 2004 shock qualifiers is a major bonus with qualification matches to come for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Wales face Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland next month in their opening games and then turn their attention to England and the clash at Old Trafford in October.

"To have Hartson and Bellamy back is excellent. John has looked very sharp in training and he is very happy that he has recovered from his back operation," Hughes said.

"He looks very, very comfortable and it it so good to see him back, particularly after scoring twice for Celtic on Saturday."

He added: "I have not had many chances to play Hartson and Bellamy together over the last couple of years, they have had their injury problems but I have talked to them both since they joined the squad and they are very, very positive.

"John is sharp and Craig is full of confidence and the sharpest I have ever seen him. He has a new hair style and he looks very happy!

"Maybe we would have had different outcomes to games last season if those two had been in the side."