Cole: We're confident
Sunday, 14 October, 2007
Joe Cole praised his team for the win over Estonia and says they are confident ahead of the trip to Russia.
England 3-0 Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Joe Cole had nothing but praise for the way England cruised to a 3-0 win over Estonia and believes they have the confidence to get another victory against Russia on Wednesday.
Cole was instrumental in helping the Three Lions maintain their recent unbeaten run and keep alive their chances of reaching the European Championship Finals next summer.
Steve McClaren’s side now face a tough encounter against Russia, but with England having won their last five qualifying matches 3-0, Cole sees no reason why they cannot extend their winning run when they travel to Moscow.
Cole said: “I think we are going to Russia for the win. We are high on confidence and it is one of those games where we will go to win the match and if we come away with a draw it will be a good result. We will certainly go there to win the game.
“It was a good performance against Estonia. We started really well and made it a nice and comfortable game in the end.
“It was a good strong performance. You are never going to get any massive plaudits for beating Estonia but it is a job that you have to do and it is job well done.
“There is a big challenge in every game and we could have made it hard for ourselves but we are pleased with the performance, pleased with the attitude and pleased with the result.”
The one sour note to spoil England’s victory was the injury sustained by Ashley Cole in the second half which forced him to leave the pitch on a stretcher.
Cole is hoping that the England defender can make a speedy recovery and knows the heartbreak he is going through at the moment.
Cole added: “I am very upset for him because he has had a lot of injury troubles and I know myself what it is like.
“We have played together for a few years and have got a good partnership. He is a great player and will be a big miss for us.
“I just want him to get back fit because I know how downhearted he will be getting injured.”