Cole: We'll adjust to heat

	11 June 2006
	VIDEO: Joe Cole press conference
	Joe speaks to the press back at the team's base following England's 1-0 win over Paraguay in Frankfurt.

2006 World Cup Finals, Group B
2pm (BST), Saturday 10 June 2006
Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt

Joe Cole says that the soaring temperatures made their World Cup opening match against Paraguay very difficult and says England must adjust to the conditions ahead of their next game on Thursday.

Cole and his Three Lions teammates drank 70 litres of water - three times the normal amount in a game as the thermometre in Frankfurt read 30C. The players also lost between five and ten pounds of body weight during the match.

"In the first half we were excellent," said Cole, "but in the second half we had to dig in and show a lot of character.

"I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses but the conditions definitely played a major part.

"It was really tough, we're not used to playing in these conditions," he said.

"I know it's the same for the other team, and we'll definitely get better with the heat, but I hope the temperature drops.

"We jumped straight into the ice baths when we came off, which aren't that pleasant, but it's all about recovery."

However, Cole, who was one of the players of the match, was pleased with the three points that sees England clear by two points at the top of Group B, thanks to a sterling performance from Trinidad and Tobago who held Sweden in the match later in the day.

"Trinidad showed what they're capable of, they looked a strong, powerful team, but I think we'll go to Nuremberg and win the game," he said.

"We want to top our group and do it in style - and a good win on Thursday will set up the Sweden game nicely."

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