Osaka is the venue for the match against Nigeria on Wednesday, and with the game kicking off in the heat of mid-afternoon (7.30am BST), the conditions - and the opposition - are sure to be testing.

"Everyone knows how hot and tough it will be but everyone is focused on Nigeria," said the Arsenal defender.

"Everyone believes we can do it, the squad, the manager."

The match against Argentina has clearly had a major effect on the players, as well as the millions of England fans who will have been celebrating over the weekend.

"I didn't think anything could beat the Germany victory but beating Argentina was the proudest moment of my life," said Cole.

`Playing in the Premiership and the Champions League has been unbelievable but that topped everything."

Cole is one of 3 England players now carrying a yellow card, having been cautioned in the Argentina game.

"I will think about it if I am chosen for the game," he said. "But we need to get something from the match and I'll do anything to get that".

Cole believes that the team's prospects have been enhanced by the application and skill shown against Argentina.

"We went out there focused. If we can play as we did in the first half against Sweden we can beat anyone."