Confidence high that Cole will make England squad

While reassuring fans that he thought Joe Cole would sign a new contract, Ray Wilkins also stated the case for Cole to be included in the 23 man squad for England in South Africa this summer.

Cole has not broken back in to the England set up just yet but that does not worry Wilkins,

“If he continues to work in the way he is in training and the game time he will get from here on in, I see no reason why he shouldn’t,” Wilkins said

“I think he will give England something slightly different. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in different formations.

“So Joe has a very good chance. But as Fabio said he has not been too impressed with Joe’s form over the last couple of months, that’s why he did not make the final 23 for the Egypt game.

“But we are quite confident that Joe can get his form back and get into that 23 for South Africa. I am sure if he performs to the ability we know Joe has, then Fabio will take him.”

Absolutely correct, England without Cole would be the poorer for it, that is for sure.