The Chelsea midfielder has been arguably England's best performer recently, producing excellent and match-winnings displays in this season's friendly successes against Argentina and Uruguay. Had previously threatened to misuse his prodigious talents but has blossomed under Jose Mourinho since his £6.6million move to Stamford Bridge from West Ham United in August 2003. Made his international debut under Sven-Goran Eriksson as a substitute in the 4-0 friendly victory against Mexico five years ago and has now made the previously problematic left-sided position his own. Cole scored the only goal of the game in the qualifying success in Wales in September 2005.