Le Saux is confident Cole will impress in South Africa despite his turbulent season both on and off the pitch.
He told The Daily Mirror: “He’s playing in one of the best teams in Europe, one of the best countries in the world and he clearly stands out.
“This summer gives him a fantastic opportunity to prove he’s the best full-back in the world – he’s had his best club season.
“He suffered a nasty ankle injury, and in his first game back it was almost as if he hadn’t been out. To do that shows the quality of the player.
“His work-rate, his work-ethic is incredible.
“Going forward as a defender, to create an extra man, or space so other people either use you or use you as a diversion makes him so valuable in internationals when teams tend to be more disciplined.
“He’ll be England’s No.3 for a long time to come.”
