Ashley Cole says he has a sense that there is something missing from his international career, but hopes to finally win a major trophy at Euro 2012.
England defender keen to finally land international silverware
Ashley Cole says he has a sense that there is something missing from his international career, but hopes to finally win a major trophy with England at Euro 2012 this summer.
The Chelsea defender will win his 98th cap in Sunday's Euro 2012 showdown with Italy in Kiev, keeping him on target to hit the century mark in the final in Kiev on July 1st should England get that far.
He does not want to get carried away, but is excited about the way the tournament is progressing and believes he could finally be about to fulfil his international ambitions.
"It is unfinished business," he said. "You play for your country and it is amazing to do that, but you play to win.
"I have never had the joy of winning with my country.
"I am not getting too ahead of myself or the team, but so far it is going well.
"We have a tough game on Sunday, but dreams come true and hopefully this can be one of mine."
Regrets
Cole believes he has learned from mistakes he has made in the past, but accepts there is little that can be done to change the course of history.
"I would say there are (regrets)," he said.
"But there is nothing I can do about them now. That's over.
"Footballers are not like any different person. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone learns from them.
"That is what football is about as well."
If there is one person who rivals Cole for negative publicity, it is Chelsea team-mate John Terry.
Yet the pair share the same ability to distance themselves from whatever has happened away from the football field and produce high-class performances on it.
"He has been a great servant for Chelsea," said Cole.
"Whatever has gone on in his life, he has put to the back of his mind and done his job in a great professional way.
"He is someone who would put his body on the line for any team and any player he plays with. He is a joy to play with."
Yet Cole could extend the same sentiments to any one of his current England team-mates.
"With most English lads, and you see it with this group, we are like 11 bulldogs, who always work for each other and die on the pitch for each other," he said.
"So far it has worked."
