08 October 2004
Peter Taylor exclusive

 Click here to download Windows Media Player.

Cole was substituted after only 19 minutes and will now return to Villa Park in a bid to get fit for next weekend.

England Under-21 manager Peter Taylor said: "He aggravated an ankle injury. It's happened to him a few times with Aston Villa but he thought he would be all right and we did too.

"It's not too bad, he is feeling quite good and should be fit for Aston Villa next weekend. But he won't be fit for Tuesday for us and won't travel to Azerbaijan.

"The way we're looking at it if we took him it could happen again and I'm sure if it did David O'Leary would get my number from somewhere and remind me!

"I don't think it's an injury that will need treatment, just a lot of work to strengthen it. He knows that, they are doing that at Aston Villa anyway. There's a lot of boring work he has to do but it's important, it has to be done for him.

"I think he's had a good season so far. He's been very consistent and I think he's enjoying it at Aston Villa.

"As for us, I may have to think about calling someone up to take to Azerbaijan instead. But I won't bring them in ahead of Jon Stead and Darren Bent, who will both start thegame now.

"If we can go there and get three more points that will make it 12 from four games and we'll be in a very good position to qualify."

Taylor was happy with the result against Wales, which saw goals from James Milner and Darren Bent secure England's third victory in a row in their UEFA U21 Championship qualifying campaign.

But he wasn't totally happy with the performance.

He said: "We're delighted with the result but disappointed with the first half. Wales deserve a lot of credit for that because they played better than us during that time.

"It was a frustrating first-half but then we scored only a minute into the second period and it helped the performance."

It was Milner who broke the deadlock and then super-sub Bent continued his incredible record by heading his seventh goal in nine appearances for the Under-21s.

Now it seems he will get his chance to start a match on Tuesday in Azerbaijan.

Taylor said: "He's done very well. He chases absolutely everything and he's very quick. I'm sure he would have enjoyed scoring against his Ipswich teammate and I'm delighted for him.

"His goal record is amazing. Carlton won't play on Tuesday so Darren and Jonathan Stead will be the starting two.

"It's a big chance for him and I'm sure he looked at it today and didn't like me for leaving him out of the team - because he's looked a real goal threat whenever he's come on.

"But he's such a cracking lad that he just smiles all day and gets on with it and he's just pleased to be here. And I'm pleased he's here as well!"