17 May 2006
VIDEO: Watch England training in Portugal

Click here to watch England training in Portugal as they begin their preparations for the World Cup Finals.

Joe Cole says he is determined to make a big impact on the World Cup in Germany no matter what position he is asked to play.

Cole has been a huge influence for England over the last season, scoring vital goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign and becoming first choice on the left of midfield.

But as The Three Lions head for Germany the Chelsea midfielder could also be asked to fill Wayne Rooney’s boots, having been described by Sven-Goran Eriksson as England’s fifth striker.

"I’m ready for that if required," said Cole. "And I would give it my best shot.

"For Chelsea I've played a lot of games on the right and for England, it's been mostly on the left. I'm happy to play anywhere though, just as long as I'm in the team."

Cole is being driven on by memories of Japan in 2002 and Portugal two years later when he travelled with the squad but got few opportunities to shine.

He said: "The main thing is that I am in the team. I've been involved in two big tournaments now, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 and in total I've played ten minutes football, as a substitute against Sweden in Japan.

"It was great experience both times and invaluable to me but I have to admit I felt like a spare part at times, particularly in Portugal.

"It's marvellous to be in any England squad but at the end of the day I want to play.

"But I can look back now and take plenty from both experiences. I definitely feel more confident now, more established. I've just come off a good season at Chelsea and I'm ready for this."

Cole is hopeful of starting England’s opening match of the World Cup, against Paraguay in Frankfurt on 10 June. And he believes there could be exciting times ahead, even if Rooney has to miss some or all of the tournament.

He said: "Obviously there is a doubt about Wayne Rooney and he would be a massive miss if he didn't make it. But everyone is hoping he will be OK in time.

"If not, though, I still feel we have the players in the squad to have a really successful World Cup.

"Look at the midfield. Steven Gerrard demonstrated in The FA Cup Final that he is one of the best of his type in the world and Frank Lampard is up there with him."