3. Value to starting eleven
While Cole has more international experience, he lacks match fitness currently whereas Baines under Martinez has evolved from just a marauding left back to a more complete player. The Everton man no longer provides direct assists but has been more at the heart of moves leading to goals, playing out from the back. Moreover Baines adds more value to the team being adept from set pieces whereas Cole tends to get away from the game if he is having a bad day on the pitch.
So who will start for the Three Lions in Brazil? While it comes to experience, Cole edges it, but going on recent form and adding more value to the team, it should be Baines who gets to play his maiden World Cup in national colors.