Source: Daily_Mail
Hungry Joe Cole has proved his value to England boss Fabio Capello
Joe Cole has sat andwatched and waitedpatiently. [LNB]Then, athalf-time yesterday,Stuart Pearce emergedfrom the tunnel, sought himout as he limbered up in therain with the other substitutesand called him in. [LNB]Cole sprinted into the dressing roomand emerged for the secondhalf like a man on a mission. [LNB] Back in the game: England star Joe Cole [LNB]Heplayed on the left and on the rightand in the hole behind WayneRooney. [LNB]He chased and tackled,played with urgency and hungerand had a vital role in theequaliser, crossing from the rightfor Marcus Tanaka to head intohis own net.[LNB]If manager Fabio Capello hadany lingering doubts about Cole'susefulness, they will have beenbanished by his first appearancein an England shirt since September2008, a 4-1 win in Zagreb. [LNB]'I enjoyed it because it's beensuch a long time,' said Cole. [LNB]'Croatia was my last game and Iended that with 10 stitches in myhead. It feels great to be backaround the lads. I've missedeveryone. A few people have comeand gone since I was last here.[LNB]'We wanted to win so I enjoyed it,coming on and playing in myfavourite position, central. [LNB]'I feel fresh. That's the mainthing. I feel fit and strong but themain thing is to feel fresh at thistime in the season.' [LNB] Hungry Joe: Cole gets stuck in[LNB]England's players flew homefrom Austria last night. The sevenwho miss out on Capello's finalsquad will receive a phone callfrom the manager on Tuesday,explaining his decision.[LNB]'I've never been in this position,'said Cole.[LNB] 'I'll just do my thing.Wake up, have my breakfast andaway we go. What will be will be. [LNB]'It's a funny atmosphere. I thinkI feel more excitement thananything. There's nothing you cando. You've just got to be pragmaticabout it. [LNB]'You've got to put footballinto perspective because it candrive you mad.'I came here 10 days ago and I'vetrained well. I just did my thing.' [LNB]Cole's experience may ultimatelygive him the edge over ManchesterCity winger Adam Johnson,who did not play against Japan. [LNB]Johnson has played only five minutesfor his country, winning hisfirst cap as a late sub against Mexicolast week, despite words ofpraise from Capello and someimpressive efforts in training. [LNB]'Joe Cole is good,' said Capelloafter yesterday's win. [LNB]'I know himand I'm very pleased with him. Heis in a good moment. He is freshbecause he didn't play a lot ofgames. He is an intelligent player,who can play different positions.'[LNB] Lampard hopes to keep penalty duty despite spot-kick miss in Japan win England 2 Japan 1: Two own goals spare Fabio Capello's blushes as unconvincing England come back to win ENGLAND 2 JAPAN 1: All the action as it happened [LNB]
