Cole won his 32nd cap for England in the 2-2 draw away to Austria in a game which saw Sven play the Arsenal man in tandem with Wayne Bridge for the first time in nearly two years.

Bridge operated as a left-winger with Cole encouraged to attack from his left-back position in a move which was designed to give England more balance.

"I think it went well," Cole said. "It's only the second time time we have played together. We both got forward and we both really enjoyed it."

Before the match Sven spoke to Cole about how he wanted him to play.

"It was the best thing I've ever heard - he just said 'attack'! I was happy with the role and I'm happy with how we played together.

"We train together so he [Bridge] knows how I play. He knows when I am coming and fills in for me and I of course fill in for him. We communicate well."

Cole has been critical of his own England form in the past, but after winning a place in UEFA's Euro 2004 All Star Squad, surely Cole believes he is now replicating his club form on the international scene.

Cole continued: "I've definitely been improving. Everyone knows I always say I don't play well for England but I am starting to feel a little bit better about how I'm playing."

Yesterday the England squad took a moment out to go and visit the nearby Auchwitz concentratyion camp.

"It was very educational to go and go and see what happened there. It put football into perspective."

Click on the links below to watch a video of the full press conference with Ashley Cole.

08 September 2004  
Ashley Cole Exclusive