England midfielder Joe Cole has spoken about his disappointment at not playing a

England midfielder Joe Cole has spoken about his disappointment at not playing a greater part in the Three Lions' recent Euro 2004 qualifying wins against Macedonia and Liechtenstein...

Ahead of both matches, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was suffering from a lengthy injury list yet Cole did not play in Skopje and came on for the last 19 minutes at Old Trafford last Wednesday.

"I was definitely disappointed not to have been more involved," the Chelsea midfielder said. "I think I deserve a chance on my performances for England but all I can do is keep coming on and playing well. I'm very disappointed because I think I've done well but, hopefully, it will change."

Cole returned from England frustration on Saturday when he played in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Spurs at Stamford Bridge. The former West Ham man once again came on as a second half substitute and set up a goal for Adrian Mutu as well as play a decisive role for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's last minute strike.

Cole admits that it is key to his international future to get a regular place in the Chelsea first eleven and not be regarded as a 'supersub'. "I don't want that so let's not even talk about it," he added. "I knew Chelsea were going to sign the best players but I'm confident in my ability. I think I can hold down a place here."


Chelsea's next match sees them play their first game back in the Champions League since they reached the quarter-finals of the competition in 1999/2000. The Blues travel to Sparta Prague and Cole will be hoping that his impressive performance against Tottenham at the weekend has earned him a starting place in Claudio Ranieri's side.

"I'm looking forward to the game," Cole said. "It's the start of a new chapter, a new life for me. This club now have some of the best midfield players in the world but I still feel I am worth a place."

Joe Cole 

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Islington, London 
Date of Birth: 8 November 1981 
Weight: 9 08
Height: 5' 7''
Club: Chelsea 
Position: Midfielder