Cole ready for German challenge
Saturday, 26 June, 2010
Joe Cole feels progress to the last 16 makes England a different side.
Joe Cole says England are ready and raring to go as they prepare to face Germany on Sunday. Fabio Capello's men made it through to the knockout stages thanks to Wednesday's 1-0 win over Slovenia and will face Joachim Loew's side in the last 16 in Bloemfontein.
And Cole, who has now played in three World Cups, reckons this could be England's time.
"There has been a noticeable shift in the mood since England qualified," Cole told the BBC. "There was a lot of relief, and it's looking positive. The lads can't wait to get in there against the Germans.
"We don't like to be called (the Golden Generation), that was something that was put upon us.
"I can remember the Portuguese team of a few years ago being called that, but they never won anything. We want to win something."
And Cole admits he would definitely take a penalty if the clash with Germany went all the way, despite never having stepped up from 12 yards as a professional.
"I have never taken one, as when I was at West Ham Paulo Di Canio took them, at Chelsea Frank Lampard did, and David Beckham took them for England.
"That's not to say I wouldn't take one as it takes more of a man to step up and take one that shy away. If the manager asks me to take one then I will."