The news that the controversial defender will lead the team from kick-off completes a dramatic turnaround on an afternoon of miscommunication from the FA as manager Roy Hodgson was forced to return to England's press conference to clarify the situation and confirm that Cole would captain the side.
Originally, Hodgson had declared that the Chelsea star would lead out the team, wearing the armband, but then Frank Lampard would assume the captaincy after the pre-match ceremonies were complete.
Enlarge
Milestone: Ashley Cole features on the front
cover of the match programme for the Ireland game... but why does the
date say February?
Honorary captain: Ashley Cole will wear and
armband on his 100th England appearance against Ireland tomorrow and
lead the team out, but Frank Lampard (below) will still perform the
captain's duties
Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe sign autographs for a young fan as they await their train to London
It has become the tradition that any player receiving their 100th cap is skipper in that game, but Cole apparently turned down the responsibilities against Ireland. Lampard performed the captain's pre-match media duties today as normal.
Cole also features on the front cover of the programme for the game, as has been customary in the recent past when a player reaches a century. However, it appeared that the programme has a February date rather than May.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, manager Roy Hodgson said: 'Frank has always been the captain in Steve's absence. In actual fact tomorrow, we're happy for Ashley to lead the team out in celebration of his 100th cap.
'Frank Lampard and I are happy. Frank will remain the captain of the team.
'After speaking to Frank and sounding out the other members of the squad, everyone was behind Ashley in this matter.
'He doesn't want to stand in front of the mass media and play the captain's role but we all thought it might be nice if after receiving his cap he puts on the armband and leads the team out.
'He's been a fantastic servant not only to Chelsea and Arsenal but to England as well.'
Big match build-up: Hodgson and captain Frank Lampard field press questions
Odd decision: Manager Roy Hodgson said he was happy for Cole and Lampard to share the captain's armband at Wembley
Hodgson confirmed that Danny Welbeck will miss out with a knee injury, but medical staff are hopeful he will be available for Sunday's match against Brazil in the Maracana.
'Danny Welbeck is still suffering from a knee injury. He's receiving treatment and we're hoping he will recover from it by the time we play Brazil,' he said.
The manager will go head-to-head with old friend Giovanni Trapattoni, a prospect he is relishing.
'I'm looking forward to it very much. The Republic of Ireland have a fantastic record, not least of all recently under Trapattoni.
On track: The England squad wait for their train to London at Lichfield station
'I enjoy all the games we play at Wembley in front of our fans. It's the type of game that will help us prepare for our qualifiers in September and October.
'I admire Giovanni as a friend and I'm an admirer of his coaching career and what he's achieved.'
The last time England played Ireland in 1995, the match in Dublin was abandoned due to crowd trouble, and Hodgson has written to all supporters attending the match asking for them to respect the visitors.
'It's very important. It goes without saying; we want fans to show respect to all opponents. This is a very important of our [150th] anniversary.
On track: The England squad arrive at Lichfield Trent Valley to catch their train to London
'Our fans are going to come and cheer us to victory I hope. I was happy to send out the letter and happy that the FA will make sure this game will be played in the right spirit.
'People always allude to incidents far in the past when football was slightly different. We can't deny there were dark times but in recent years we've been blessed with very good support.
'I have faith in our supporters that they will behave as we'd like them to behave and we won't have any issues.'
All aboard: The players get on the train in their new Nike tracksuits
Lampard, meanwhile, paid tribute to Cole as he becomes the seventh England player to reach a century of caps.
'Ashley getting 100 caps and the way he's performed in getting them, he's been the most consistent left-back in world football over recent years and being a teammate of his at club level, it's the perfect gesture,' the Chelsea midfielder said.
All smiles: James Milner and Phil Jagielka share a joke while waiting for the train
The England squad travelled down to London this afternoon by train and looked in a relaxed mood, smiling and cracking jokes on the platform.
Cole was happy to pose for photographs and sign autographs for lucky fans on the platform at Lichfield Trent Valley station, the closest to England's St George's Park HQ in Staffordshire.
Tottenham defender Kyle Walker was ruled out yesterday after missing training.
