McClaren thrilled by return of Blues
ace
Chelsea star Joe Cole will resume his international career against
Brazil at Wembley on Friday with a ringing endorsement from England
coach Steve McClaren.
The midfielder, whose last England match was the friendly against
Holland in November, is now fully fit following an injury-disrupted
season
"We've missed Joe," said McClaren. "It's great to have him back in
the squad. He's a player who is capable of changing games.
"It's been a while since he was available but I'm delighted to have
him back."
McClaren would not confirm that Cole would be in his starting
line-up for Friday's friendly but it looks certain he will pick him
on the left of his midfield, with David Beckham on the right and
Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the centre.
An alternative for McClaren would be using Tottenham's Ledley King
in a holding midfield role but the defender failed to come to grips
with the position when he played there for England against
Argentina in Geneva in pitch-related injury so close to next week's
European Championship qualifier against Estonia.
McClaren said: "With the rain we've had recently and the amount of
matches which have been played on the pitch, we have to look at it
very closely. I would say that the condition of the pitch is a
concern."
McClaren denied he had recalled Beckham to appease the fans and
take pressure off himself.
"The only thing that will help me to get the support of the fans is
to win football matches," he said. "That's why I brought David
back. Not for the fans, not for the media, not for anybody but the
England team."
The England coach was at pains to point out that Beckham's return
may not be long-term.
"You have to be pragmatic about international football," he said.
"I have picked a squad for just these two games and nothing
more."
