Cole fired up for qualifiers

Midfielder believes England are ready to give their all

By James Dall   Last updated: 18th August 2008

joe cole england

Cole: Pleased with progress

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Joe Cole believes England's preparations for the forthcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers are on track.

Fabio Capello's side face Czech Republic on Wednesday in their final international friendly before back-to-back away qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia in September.

England have shown signs of improvement under Capello during the Italian's four games in charge, and Cole insists he and his team-mates are working hard to ensure the national side avoid a repeat of their dismal failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

"We have got to concentrate on the next campaign. Anytime you get disappointment in your career you have to use that as motivation," the Chelsea midfielder said on Sky Sports News.

Belief

"We don't want to live in the past. We want to make sure we are firing on all cylinders.

"The important thing is that we keep going in the right direction; building our confidence and our belief.

"We need to keep playing well. Moving towards the next campaign. The World Cup seems a lifetime away but it will be around in a flash. We want to qualify.

"There are no guarantees in life. All I can guarantee England fans is that there are 23 players in the squad ready to run through walls to get us there."

Captaincy

Capello is set to name his permanent captain on Tuesday after rotating the armband prior to the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are favourites to land the role, and Cole feels there is little to choose between the two defenders.

"Whoever gets the nod, the boys will get right behind them," Cole continued. "There is not much to choose between them two.

"There are captains all over the pitch. We have a great team spirit. We are building our confidence and belief all the time."