Hungry Joe Cole has proved his value to England boss Fabio Capello

Joe Cole has sat andwatched and waitedpatiently. Then, athalf-time yesterday,Stuart Pearce emergedfrom the tunnel, sought himout as he limbered up in therain with the other substitutesand called him in. Cole sprinted into the dressing roomand emerged for the secondhalf like a man on a mission. Back in the game: England star Joe Cole Heplayed on the left and on the rightand in the hole behind WayneRooney. 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.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. 'I enjoyed it because it's beensuch a long time,' said Cole. '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.'We wanted to win so I enjoyed it,coming on and playing in myfavourite position, central. 'I feel fresh. That's the mainthing. I feel fit and strong but themain thing is to feel fresh at thistime in the season.'  Hungry Joe: Cole gets stuck inEngland'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.'I've never been in this position,'said Cole. 'I'll just do my thing.Wake up, have my breakfast andaway we go. What will be will be. 'It's a funny atmosphere. I thinkI feel more excitement thananything. There's nothing you cando. You've just got to be pragmaticabout it. '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.' Cole's experience may ultimatelygive him the edge over ManchesterCity winger Adam Johnson,who did not play against Japan. 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. 'Joe Cole is good,' said Capelloafter yesterday's win. '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.' 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  

Source: Daily_Mail