England

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• Manager:Fabio Capello

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Cole eyes England return

14 Sep 2006 - 08:15:09

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Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is determined to reclaim his place in the England team from Stewart Downing after recovering from a knee problem.

The injury ensured the 24-year-old sat out the first three matches of Steve McClaren's reign as England boss, handing Downing the chance to make the left wing position his own.

Cole returned to action as a late substitute in the Blues' 2-0 Champions League victory against Werder Bremen on Tuesday and already has his sights set on England's Euro 2008 qualifier against FYR Macedonia on October 7.

He said: "I'm still on my way back; I'm getting my fitness back. I haven't done a pre-season but it's nice to have ten minutes.

"I'll be 100 per cent fit and ready for when the next England game comes round.

"Steve (McClaren) knows what I've done over the last 18 months for England.

"My season can start now. I'm available for 90 minutes against Liverpool on Sunday and it's an important game.

"They're challenging us and they'll want a good result coming off that defeat at Everton last week. They will be right up for it."