da pixbet： So it’s this time again. Fabio Capello’s squad for the upcoming Montenegro match came under the spotlight, as would be expected following The World Cup performance. Bolton’s 33 year old Kevin Davies won the battle for the media’s attention, after a call up for the first time in his career. But it was another premiership star that turned my head.
da bet sport： Joe Cole. One of England’s most technically gifted players. Back where he very much should be. With Davies, his inclusion was a surprise as it’s felt he no longer has the legs for international competition. But the shock with Cole is that he seems to be so far out of Capello’s plans. Right or wrong, he doesn’t seem one of the England bosses favourites. But why? He got fewer minutes than Paul the Octopus at The World Cup, has rarely started under Capello, and is further down the pecking order than Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott. Correct me if I’m wrong, but he’s never let England down and has always performed to a good level with his club side. And that’s club sides which include Chelsea and Liverpool.
This is a player that has won Premierships, FA Cups, played in Europe and has over 50 caps for England. A short walk down the Kings Road on a match day last season shows evidence that Chelsea fans wanted Cole to stay. Behind John Terry and Frank Lampard, he was one of their own. When it became clear Cole wanted out, you only have to look who came calling. Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool were all linked, with the latter prevailing for the race to his signature. A player being linked with those clubs is surely worthy of a few more minutes on the Wembley turf.
It’s suggested that the key to success in the international game, is using the ball intelligently. Germany, Spain, Brazil, and certain Holland players all do this. As does Joe Cole when called upon. Was it just me shouting for Cole to enter the fray numerous times in South Africa? I’d be surprised if it was. In fact I know I wasn’t. As John Terry said in his somewhat controversial press conference “I personally think that him and Wayne are the only two in the side who can really open things up and be the key to breaking down defences”. Of course he shouldn’t have said it, but maybe he had a point.
Going back to his technique. I don’t believe many England players can compete alongside Spanish or Brazilian stars when it comes to technique. Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and yes Joe Cole, are the only potential candidates from our shores. I encourage any doubters to watch his goal against Sweden on the 20th of June 2006. A volley which very few could pull off. Especially under the Worlds eye. And just for the record, Cole got man of the match in that game.
I don’t personally know Capello or Cole. What goes on behind closed doors may be to Capello’s dislike, which is why Cole doesn’t play. Fair enough. But Joe Cole on a football pitch is without doubt a major asset to England, and how many of The 2010 World Cup squad can we say that about?
Written By Rob Edwards