Ashley Cole aims to impress the England faithful

22 May 2009 00:01
Left-back Cole has been in outstanding form for his club this year and aims to end the campaign by winning his fifth FA Cup next weekend. But the focus will then switch quickly to World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra and Cole's long-term aim is to put a smile on the faces of England fans too. He has suffered a mixed reaction from England supporters in the recent past, even being booed when his mistake handed a goal to the Kazaks at Wembley. But the defender hopes his commitment to the cause and his current form will turn everything around. "I think so far it's probably been my best season since I went to Chelsea. I've got through it without injuries and that was key," said the defender who was speaking at a school visit in Surrey on behalf of England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society. "I came to the club with a bad ankle and it was always holding me back. But now I've got that sorted out and I feel fit and very fresh. So now I have to find my Chelsea form for England." Cole has the perfect chance to do that with two matches in June at the end of the season and he hopes England fans will back him. He said: "It was difficult when they booed. I'm a normal personal, I'm just like you and just like everyone else – I have feelings and thoughts. So of course it hurt, I'm not going to sit here and say it didn't. "But you have to get on with it. It happens in football, you are loved one day and hated the next . You have to get on with it and that's what I've done. I've played the best I have for Chelsea so far. The Chelsea fans are happy and I'd like the same with my country. "To be honest I don't think I've played bad for England, I've certainly not been as bad as some people say. That criticism has been hard to take. "I don't think I've let the country down too many times. Of course I had that blip where I gave the ball away but a lot of players have done that, you can't play well every game in football and not make one mistake. "I'm in a position where if I do give the ball away it's ruthless and you can get punished. I'm learning that now. But if I look over my career I've played 72 games and I think to say I've done well for my country." Cole's determined attitude has certainly worked at Stamford Bridge where he has been consistent all season and seen fans take him to their hearts. He said: "I had a disappointing last year there but I think now I've found my feet. I feel comfortable in the team and when I play I'm just going out to enjoy it. "I go out and fight for the team and want to win and that's what fans want to see. I've always given my heart and soul to every team I've played for and every game I go into I give everything. "There's nothing too much more I can do, just play well for Chelsea and England and hopefully it will turn around." For opportunities to win match tickets, VIP hospitality packages, see your child lead out the team and meet the players, plus all the latest England team news, visit nationwidefootball.co.uk

Source: Telegraph