COLE ANGER OVER ENGLAND

The 28-year-old striker, who has been in and out of the national squad for the last three years, claims to be fed up of people questioning his ability at the highest level.

`` I don`t know whether I am coming or going with England," Cole said.

"I get fed up of it all. It has gone beyond a joke all this `Is he good enough, is he not good enough? If I get in the squad, I get in the squad if I don`t, I don`t.

``I have always been one for saying if I am playing well for my club then, yes, I should be getting into the England squad but if I am not and someone else is playing well for theirs then they should be in front of me.

"There is a set team and that`s the number one side. If someone gets injured the nation makes out it is a big crisis. It is as if that someone can`t be replaced.

"That`s wrong because the quality in England now up front is frightening.

``It is a golden era for England strikers. At the moment England is blessed with a few centre forwards who could play for England and do well."

Despite his frustration, a fire still burns within the Manchester United striker to prove himself on the international stage.

``It is still a big ambition for me to play in a major championship for England.

``The biggest thing for me is to enjoy my football and playing for England is a bonus.

"I get used to missing out. Not going to the World Cup was disappointing because you might only get one chance and if I missed out on Euro 2000 I would be disappointed again but it wouldn`t be the end of my career.

"I will just strive to get better and carry on winning silverware with Manchester United.``

Ciaran Baynes