The Chelsea player, one of the first names on the teamsheet for a succession of England coaches, has a fierce rival for the left-back spot in the shape of Everton's Leighton Baines and Hodgson admits it gives him a welcome headache.
"Ashley Cole will start and win his 100th cap," Hodgson told reporters on the eve of a mouth-watering friendly against the five-times world champions.
"After that I will have to see what I do with Leighton who has done well in Ashley's absence. They are both exceptional players but Ashley will start.
"I'm just pleased Ashley is still the one we all know and admire and Leighton is breathing down his neck and making sure his performances are of the highest level."
Cole, 32, made his England debut in 2001 and according to captain Steven Gerrard, who will be presented with the 100th cap he earned against Poland before kick-off, is the most "consistent" player he has played alongside.
Hodgson sees no reason why Gerrard should let Cole lead out the side to mark his milestone but would be upset if England fans fail to give the former Arsenal player a generous ovation.
"I think he's just very happy to be a key player in the team so I'm pretty certain he won't be trying to rip the armband off Steven. If he does I might have to step in," said Hodgson.
AIR RIFLE
Cole, whose love life, various driving offences and carelessness with an air rifle when he accidentally shot a youth player at Chelsea's training ground, have made him a target of the boo-boys at English grounds.
"I see no reason why the fans won't give him the credit and reception he deserves," he said.
"He has never started as substitute in 99 games and if you are an England fan and don't respect him and love him for doing that then that's your problem not his."
Cole will become the seventh England player to win 100 caps for his country, joining Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and Gerrard.
While England are by no means certain to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil, should they negotiate their group and head to south America, Cole will have to keep producing five-star performances to keep Baines at bay.
"Ashley has come under greater scrutiny and the competition for his place is probably greater than its been in the past," said Hodgson who will be missing injured strikers Jermain Defoe Daniel Sturridge for Wednesday's clash.
"Leighton Baines has matured as an international. It's great to have that kind of headache but it won't be an easy choice when they are both fit and vying to play in the big games.
"But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
"That's the way it must be if we are ever going to perform at the highest level, we need that level of competition right throughout the team like it is in some of the other countries."
Hodgson, who could play Arsenal's Theo Walcott in a central striking role with Wayne Rooney tucked just behind him, said Wednesda
