Cole: Like being a kid again

Joe Cole admits being with the England World Cup squad is 'like being a big kid again'.

Joe Cole admits being with the England World Cup squad is 'like being a big kid again'.

The Chelsea midfielder is enjoying being part of Sven Goran Eriksson's setup and is due to start on the left in the opening game against Paraguay on Saturday.

Cole claims there is a holiday atmosphere to England's training camp and admits the players are being pampered.

"I love it," beamed Cole. "The whole idea of the tournament is really like being a big kid again.

"You train with the England team, then come back, play on computers, play golf or relax.

"We've got a great chef who cooks all our food, we watch all the games together as a team, we play a bit of pool and a bit of snooker.

"It's brilliant, as much fun as you can have. It's like living in a bubble. It's like a holiday with the boys, minus the bad stuff."

Meanwhile, Cole also hailed the West Ham United connection which is prevalent in England's 23-man squad.

Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard all came through the Upton Park ranks with Cole, who believes the quartet's presence in the England party is a testament to his old club.

He added: "I don't think any of us will ever forget where we came from and I am no different.

"After every Chelsea match I will always look to see the West Ham score first and that will never change.

"As for the World Cup, we can only hope. West Ham provided a lot of the key players in 1966 and there are connections again this time.

"Frank is one of the best midfielders in the world and Rio is one of the best defenders. Michael Carrick had a fantastic season for Spurs.

"It is a very friendly club to belong to and I am just grateful for all they did for me. I would not be the player I am now if I had not been given a chance at West Ham at a very young age."