Without Flintoff we're a lot less of a side - Vaughan

England Test captain Michael Vaughan has said that Andrew Flintoff may just have one last chance at salvaging his England career, after undergoing a fourth operation on his ankle. Flintoff is currently in Holland for his rehabilitation under the guidance of ankle surgeon Niek van Dijk, and isn't expected to make his comeback until the 2008 English season.

"I just want to see him back playing," Vaughan told Talksport. "I know he's going through a tough period. It's his 'last-chance saloon' and we should all get behind him and give him every opportunity to try and come back."

Vaughan elaborated on how Flintoff's presence added a lot of value to the side, in terms of the overall balance and morale. Flintoff missed all seven home Tests, against West Indies and India, and his appearances in the one-day series against India were sporadic. He missed three games - two due to his ankle and one to a swelling in his right knee - and had to take steroid injections in his left ankle to play the deciding match at Lord's.

Though he managed to play all games in the ICC World Twenty20, the injury worries with his ankle were far from over as specialists from UK, Australia and United States decided to carry out further surgery.

"I want him back in the England team because without him we're a lot less of a side. We need Freddie back in that side batting at six or seven, bowling like he can, hitting the ball like he can. He's a great person to have around the team and I'm certainly looking forward to getting him back in there, hopefully some time next year.

"Freddie is the key to getting five bowlers in the side. It's not to say that without Freddie we can't be successful. It just helps when you have him in the side."