Source: Telegraph
England World Cup squad: Joe Cole states case for Fabio Capello nod
The England midfielder is not guaranteed a start for Chelsea in today's FA Cup final, but should feature at some stage in what could be his last game for the club. [LNB]Cole's contract expires this summer and there have been little attempt from Chelsea to discuss a new deal. [LNB] Related ArticlesBeckham dreams of famous England winHow do England's rivals for 2018 fare?England's ready-to-rumble bid is best bet10 key factors in the FA's bidJohn Terry tells of World Cup fearDebate: should England play 3-5-2 at World Cup?His season started badly, with a knee injury preventing the former West ham favourite from starting until late September, but with Chelsea performing well early on, Cole struggled to break into the side, for the last three games, he has been on the bench. [LNB]Cole, though, received the boost of being named in England's 30-man pre-World Cup squad this week, but he admitted: 'It's been tough at times but I didn't expect it to be plain sailing. [LNB]'I've had poor games and good games but I played my part in a title winning side and I'm proud of that. I feel I'm back to my best now I just need a run of games to show that. [LNB]'It's difficult playing 20 or 30 minutes here and there because when you start you are looking over your shoulder. But I'll always give everything. That's in my nature.' [LNB]Cole has not approached Carlo Ancelotti about his lack of games. 'There's nothing to talk about. There are 25 in the squad and only 11 can start. But I'm a professional and someone who leaves everything on the pitch every time he plays. [LNB]'Anytime I'm not playing is frustrating for me,' he added. 'I just want to play. Having a major injury and the operations makes me realise how much I love it.' [LNB]Having failed to persuade one Italian to give him a regular berth, he is preparing to impress another ahead of the World Cup finals. [LNB]'You can't get me off the training pitch at the moment,' he added. 'I'm fit and fresh. We did a fitness test on Wednesday and I was the fittest player in the squad so that shows I'm ready to go. I'm busting to get out there. [LNB]'I was delighted with the England call-up. I will always be there ready to represent my country. I just want to be there and do all I can to help England win the World Cup. [LNB]'I just want to keep on playing my stuff. I've not played as much as I would have liked but I've got nothing to prove in an England shirt. The main thing is coming home with trophy. [LNB]'I enjoy international football. I don't want to blow my own trumpet but I think I've always produced when I've played. I like the tempo and style of international football.' [LNB]Cole's appearances have, in some ways, been limited by some outstanding performances from Florent Malouda who, unlike his team-mate, has been exceptional. [LNB]'It's been my best season, not only in England but of my entire career,' said the French international. 'The pressure we have had from the beginning of the season has been really intense and I felt I was ready for it. I have really enjoyed the big moments of hard pressure. I took responsibility. Maybe that has been the difference between this year and the previous years. [LNB]'When you are new you don't really take responsibility, you just follow. But I wanted to become a leader like I was at Lyon. I talked to the manager and told him that's what I want to do at Chelsea.' [LNB]Have your say by making a comment below or do Fabio Capello's job for him by using our England World Cup squad selector... [LNB]
