Croatia v England
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group Six
8pm, Wednesday 10 September 2008
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb
Live on Setanta
Joe Cole believes England are getting stronger and stronger under Fabio Capello and that regardless of who makes the starting eleven on Wednesday, the most important thing is the result.
Cole's two goals were vital against Andorra on Saturday and the Chelsea midfielder knows another victory in Zagreb will make it another big step on the road to South Africa in 2010.
"The way this team is set up, we are getting stronger every time we meet up and I think there is more mental toughness," Cole explained.
"Even if we hadn't scored until the 89th minute against Andorra, the lads would have kept trying to do the right things.
"We know it will be tough against Croatia because they have so many good players who can pick you off. And if you don't keep hold of the ball then it is very dangerous.
"But we are going there to win and if we do that then we'll be right in the driving seat as far as qualification is concerned.
"I think even a draw would put us in control, but we will be going out to win."
But Cole revealed that he is more focused on a positive result for England than whether or not he starts in the Maksimir Stadium on Wednesday evening.
He said: "Should I be in the side? It is not important. The main thing is getting the right results. We came here to Barcelona on Saturday to get the win. We got that done. Now we've got to move on.
"To be honest no-one under the new regime is confident of starting. You saw the team the gaffer put out on Saturday had new faces and players coming back into the side.
"It is good that everyone has got to fight for your place and you've got to perform every game so I think that is a positive thing and we are moving forward."