Chelsea star Cole has had a hugely impressive start to the season, revelling in free role given to him by new Blues manager Jose Mourinho.

The former West Ham man plays just behind the strikers for his club side and has been on top form so far in the Premiership.

Now he is hoping to earn a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England side for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Poland.

With Paul Scholes having retired from international football and Nicky Butt injured there is a space up for grabs in the Three Lions midfield and Cole is making a beeline for it.

Head Coach Eriksson is considering playing Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, with Cole, Kieron Dyer and Wayne Bridge battling for a berth on the left of the field.

But he could also be tempted to use Cole in a more attacking role at the tip of a midfield diamond and the youngster - who is still only 22 - will do everything in his power to get in the team one way or the other.

He said: "Everything is going well at Chelsea at the moment and with England there’s a good opportunity to come in. I think I could offer the team a different dimension, something we haven’t got at the moment.

"We haven’t settled down to any tactical work yet but I feel can offer the team something different coming off the left or in the middle. I can do the job there and it would be great if I got the chance."

Cole has certainly impressed Sven with his performances in the Premiership so far this season and his breakthrough into the Chelsea team under Mourinho can only be good for England.

"Managers have different thoughts on how the game is played and with England there’s other positions I could possibly play," said Cole.

"But I am really enjoying it playing in the hole at Chelsea because I’m playing in the position I like to play in. I’ve not had a chance to play there ever since the youth team, really.

"But now I'm playing in between the strikers and midfield. I just have to get on the ball, keep the game moving and keep passing.

"It’s a natural position for me. I’m playing more like myself and I’m really enjoying it.

"It’s not easy though - it’s a lot of running. Some people think it’s a luxury player but when I have played there I have actually done more running than when I was a regular midfielder. You have to get on the ball, that’s your job. But I’m loving it."

Cole’s impressive form has certainly given Sven something to think about, and with Scholes no longer involved there is certainly a spare spot in England’s midfield right now.

Cole said: "Paul has been a great player for England and it’s sad to see him go because he’s a great lad to have around and he’s an experienced professional. But maybe it will open up a few doors for me, I don’t know. We’ll have to see.

"I’m still 22, there’s still a lot of football to be played and I feel I'm getting better season by season. I’m only going to look to the future from now on and try and do the best for my country.

"If I do get the chance to play I won’t be trying too hard, which is a criticism labelled at me. I’ll just be trying to help the team win the game because it’s so important for us to get a good start in a tough group."