Cole: A draw will do against Croatia
Joe Cole ready to start for England
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Fabio Capello has revealed he had a blazing row with Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole during England's 2-0 win over Andorra. |  |
Monday, 08, Sep 2008 09:15
Midfielder Joe Cole has hinted England will play for a draw in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia in Zagreb.
England lost twice to Croatia in the qualifying stages for Euro 2008. They first suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat in Zagreb in 2006 and then had their qualification hopes ended with a disastrous 3-2 defeat at Wembley.
Croatia went onto reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 and are ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings. England, meanwhile, have yet to fire under Fabio Capello and were widely criticised for the disappointing 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday.
"We're working on being strong and hard to break down and we have got the players to do that," said Cole. "Without wanting to sound negative, a draw would put us in the driving seat but we'll go out there to try to win the game.
"The last time we went out there we underestimated them a little bit. Looking at their performances they are a top side with great players.
"You need to be solid, tough and compact when you play there - you need everyone's experience on the pitch because it's going to be a hostile environment.
"Once you go a goal down, it's so hard so we need to get off to a good start and get in their faces, shut them down. We have to play with a passion like England should do but not be naive and throw players forward," added Cole.
Cole was surprisingly left on the bench for the game against Andorra, but he came on to score both goals. The Chelsea star insisted "I don't see myself as a substitute" and Capello has suggested Cole will start against Croatia.