Joe Cole turns 21 years old today and someone who knows a thing or two about the role of play-maker believes we need to cherish the special talent that Joe has been blessed with.

Matthew Le Tissier - one of the most gifted players that this country has produced in recent years - hung up his boots last season, and he believes that Cole could be the play-maker that the Three Lions have been looking for.

"Yes, I hope he can be," Matt told TheFA.com. "If he continues his growth at West Ham that's should be where he's heading.

"He started his career with a big bang and a big reputation but I think there's more to come from Joe. If he does improve over the next two years, then he's the sort of talent that you can build teams around."

Clearly speaking from experience Matt also believes that talent like Joe's should be encouraged not stemmed.

"I don't think we do enough to cultivate those sort of skilful players," he said. "I think there is a tendency among coaches to be nervous about those kind of players, not trusting them.

"I think that holds us up."

But Matt believes that Sven could be the man to alter that trend.

"I'd certainly like to think that's the case," he says.

"He seems to be pretty open about his team selection. He seems happy to give the youngsters a go and thinks that if you're good enough, you're and that's definitely the way to go."

Tord Grip agrees. Sven's right hand man told us: "It's time people started concentrating on what Joe Cole can do, not what he can't."

And Happy Birthday to Joe...for he's a jolly good player.

Daniel Freedman