Cole warms to SWP
Monday, 06 March, 2006
Joe Cole believes Shaun Wright-Phillips will be a star for England after setting up the winner against Uruguay.
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Joe Cole has backed Shaun Wright-Phillips to become a big hit for England in future.
Wright-Phillips was one of England’s heroes against Uruguay, coming off the bench to set up Cole’s last-minute winner with a superb cross.
The former Manchester City winger has had a challenging time at Chelsea this season, not playing as many games for the Premiership champions as he would like.
But Cole believes his teammate can follow his example and battle his way into the first team with both club and country.
He said: "I think Shaun is a world class player. The cross he put in for my goal against Uruguay was a magic cross. You just take up a position in the box and he will beat his man and get the ball in.
"He’s going to be a big hit at Chelsea, it takes time to adjust but with all his skills and ability he’s going to be a big player for both Chelsea and England."
Cole remembers well a time when he spent most of his season on the bench for Chelsea and England, not least at Euro 2004 when he travelled with the squad but didn’t play.
And he says it is vital that Wright-Phillips shows the same determination he did to become a first team regular.
He said: "I remember coming back from Portugal and feeling terrible and thinking I don’t want to ever come away with England and not play again.
"To go away with England is a dream but when you are a footballer you want to play. You want to go there and help your country. I decided to do everything possible to make sure next time I would be playing.
"I’ve taken a lot on board since then and learned a lot. I’ve matured as a player and I’m getting better. And hopefully I’ve done enough to go to the World Cup and take part."