Cole prepares for key role with England at World Cup despite Chelsea axe

Joe Cole: Wanted by England, but not Chelsea

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — One of England’s star performers in Germany four years ago, Joe Cole was resigned to not even making this World Cup as he played a bit-part role for Chelsea last season.

The summer holiday wasn’t quite booked, but the 28-year-old Cole believed he was running out of time to impress England coach Fabio Capello, who had publicly doubted his enduring quality.

Returning from an eight-month layoff with a knee injury in September only heralded a new struggle. Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti, who arrived at the start of the season, was unwilling to give the midfielder a lengthy run in the side as he tried to regain form and confidence.

Luckily for Cole’s England prospects at least, he did force his way off the bench in the final weeks of the domestic season to help Chelsea’s charge to a domestic double.

Flashes of brilliance, like a deft goal at Manchester United in April that took Chelsea top, were enough to clinch his World Cup spot — despite not featuring for England for 20 months until last month’s friendly against Japan.

But the former West Ham player didn’t do enough to secure his Chelsea future. After seven years and with his contract expiring at the end of the month, Chelsea announced Wednesday that Cole is surplus to requirements and free to leave.

Within minutes of the official announcement, Cole attended a pre-planned media briefing at England’s South African base and tried to avoid hitting back at Chelsea in any depth.

“I didn’t play as many games as I would have liked last year (at Chelsea),” Cole said. “I was more of an impact player, for whatever reason, rightly or wrongly.”

“It’s a story to be told another day.”

Cole doesn’t want to be sidetracked by searching for a new club while in South Africa, despite Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp chasing his signature.

“I don’t want to be told what is happening until after the World Cup,” Cole said. “I am fully focussed on England and what I have got to do out here.

“The manager doesn’t want any distractions — and rightly so. You only get a few chances in your career to win a World Cup. It is not on my mind.”

Cole’s guile and flexibility earned him a place in a squad, with Capello able to deploy his pace down the left flank or slot him behind striker Wayne Rooney.

“My best position is anywhere in the center of the park and I enjoyed it,” Cole said. “I enjoy playing with Wayne. He is a great player. It worked well for the time we were together (against Japan). Different players bring different things to the fold and it gives the manager options.”

Four years ago, Cole was one of the few England players to perform well in Germany before the team crashed out in the quarterfinals.

“I have always acquitted myself well for England,” Cole said. “My form for England has always stood up against anybody in my position in the country. I am proud of that. I enjoy the pace of international football. It suits my game.

“If I get the chance I will take it. I will be very proud to pull on that shirt in another World Cup for England.”

Should he feature against the United States in Saturday’s Group C opener, it will mean Cole has appeared at three World Cups.

“I went to the first one as a young lad and I wasn’t expected to play,” Cole said. “The second I played a major part. This one I have come late into the squad. It is different. I like the feel of the place. You are eager to get the first game under way. Then you start rolling.”

And the one advantage from playing so little last season is that Cole is fresh.