Feisty Cole cements place in squad

Carlton Cole was regarded as one of the biggest successes for England on Wednesday evening by Fabio Capello and the West Ham striker will keep his place in the squad if he continues his current form.

The 25-year-old impressed Capello and his staff with his willingness to run at players and unsettle defenders and they believe that his presence was as integral to England's comeback as the contribution of goalscorer Jermain Defoe and James Milner. The striker has three senior caps for England now although he is yet to start a match.

Capello said that he selected Cole having watched him play in a friendly for West Ham against Napoli. He has picked him in his last four squads and believes he can see something of the qualities he prizes in Emile Heskey. Cole is yet to score for England, although the Italian regards him as a contender along with Peter Crouch.

John Terry said that the England squad for next summer's World Cup, providing they qualify, was still open to players who could prove their value. He said: "These friendlies are massively important for guys on the bench."