Joe Cole

Joe Cole - England Midfielder - World Cup 2006
squad no. 11

club: Chelsea
position: Midfield (left)
age: 24
caps: 32
goals: 5

Joe took a little time to cement his place in the side and is often overshadowed by his colleagues in the midfield but this guy could be all set to emerge as one of the worlds' best players.

Has fantastic ability on the ball and can go past defenders in the areas where it matters. He can also find the net.

Let's hope Joe Cole gets it right in Germany. We could be going a very long way if he does.

Football England Verdict
Rating: 7.00

Our ratings make Joe England's player of the tournament but even he ended up disappointing.
Two outstanding performances in the group stage, and one magnificent goal, earned him the bulk of his marks but he did not carry this on in the knock out games.
He was unlucky that he had to be sacrificed because of Rooney's dismissal against Portugal but he had already wasted out best chance of the game.

Portugal 0-0.
Football England rating: 6
Not bad but Joe did miss our best chance and was then sacrificed after Rooney's dismissal.

Ecuador 1-0.
Football England rating: 6
Not as impressive as in the group games but Joe still managed some nice touches and looks a threat.

Sweden 2-2.
Football England rating: 8 (star man)
Another excellent performance from Joey Cole. Caused the Swedes problems all night and scored a magnificent goal from out on the left wing.
The one unqualified success of our campaign so far.

Trinidad 2-0.
Football England rating: 6
Not as influential as against Paraguay but did ok.
Linked well with his brother Ashley several times but was generally let down by the Arsenal mans' delivery.

Paraguay 1-0.
Football England rating 9 (star man).
Joe was at his impish best for about an hour. He was outstanding on the left flank where he was successful with every dribble and set up most of England's attacks before the break.
He even started well after being pushed inside to support Crouch after half time before disappearing as England dropped ever deeper and he ended up just filling in holes like the rest of the midfield.
An excellent display nevertheless.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Cole's Performances and News.