Cole back in the fire

Joe Cole gave the Three Lions a major fillip with his performance in Amsterdam as he made an impressive return to international football.

Cole was unavailable for the first five games of Head Coach Steve McClaren’s reign because of a knee injury and has been sorely missed.

But, as McClaren said before the Dutch clash, there isn’t a player in the world more desperate to pull on the famous white shirt than Cole. And his enthusiasm shone through here in Holland.

Interestingly, the Chelsea midfielder was given a rare chance to start on the right-hand side of midfield, having made most of his previous 37 appearances for England on the left.

It worked a treat because Cole, who also had licence to move inside, produced a performance full of energy, trickery and skill. And the only disappointment was that his display wasn't quite enough to secure what would have been a deserved victory.

In the first half alone he set up three good opportunities for team-mates and was rarely out of the action.

The first came when he jinked his way across the box before playing in Frank Lampard with a perfect pass. And it was only an unlucky roll of the ball that prevented his Chelsea team-mate from getting in a shot.

The second saw his cross - from the left wing this time - loop up in the air to a grateful Wayne Rooney. But, with only the keeper to beat, Rooney’s header was saved.

The third chance, however, proved crucial. This time Cole beat his man and whipped in a cross from the right - giving Rooney the chance to score his first goal for England since a friendly against Argentina a year ago.

That match, incidentally, was also a good night for Cole - who inspired England’s late comeback and crossed for Michael Owen to score the winner.

It doesn’t need a long memory to remember Cole was also one of England’s best players at the World Cup, scoring a stunning goal against Sweden and producing a string of consistent performances in Germany. So no wonder Head Coach McClaren is pleased to see him back.

The Chelsea star was also a livewire in the second period here in Amsterdam, linking up play and making things happen in the England midfield before eventually making way for Kieran Richardson.

With Manchester City defender Micah Richards making an impressive debut at right-back and Andrew Johnson lively up front in only his second international start, there were other positives too for England. Even if Holland's late equaliser left McClaren's men frustrated.

Van der Vaart's leveller and Rooney's goal will no doubt earn the headlines. But Cole's return could have a bigger bearing on England's future.