Source: Daily_Mail
Carlton Cole vows to raise his game as West Ham striker sets his sights on World Cup
West Ham striker Carlton Cole readily accepts he is 'not the finished article' yet - but has his sights set firmly on making it to the World Cup next summer.
The 25-year-old, who has four caps so far, has again linked up with England for the qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus.
However, having not made Fabio Capello's final match-day squad for the last international match against Croatia, which England won 5-1 to secure their place in South Africa, the former Chelsea trainee knows competition for places is fierce.
Nevertheless, Cole feels he has what it takes to compete with the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Gabriel Agbonlahor for one of the forward places alongside certainties Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey.
Having been prolific for the under-21s, Cole is hoping to continue his progression in the full national squad.
'I always say I am far from the finished article and have got to keep working on my game,' said Cole. 'I know what I have to do and what I have to improve on. I have been trying to improve all the time.
'I have made changes to my background life that has helped me and I have made changes to what I do and how I do things on the field. I am just looking to get better and better.'
'Hopefully if I can keep working hard I will reach the levels I want to get to.
'It is important for me to play for my country and if selected will give 100%. That is what I am there to do and, if I can, make a contribution.
'I just want to keep going from strength to strength for both West Ham and England. It is a case of one step at a time. I have a lot of hope that I can make the World Cup, but I know I have to keep plugging away and knocking on the door.'
