Cole to prove the power for the future

Joe Cole comes of age as a man this season, reaching his 21st birthday on 8 November. It could also be the season he comes of age as a footballer. As far back as August 1999, when he was still 17 with just nine appearances behind him, intelligent observers were suggesting he could end the season as an international. Such has been the hype around Cole. Only last season, however, did he finally begin to look a serious player rather than a party-act.

The change of management at West Ham helped. Harry Redknapp was the ideal mentor in his youth, allowing Cole to develop his skills free of tactical constraints. "He's a free spirit," said Redknapp, a West Ham disciple to his bare bones.

That gave Cole the confidence to try things, to be himself. But it also left him reliant on good service to influence a game and easily isolated. Then Glenn Roeder, a believer in flair but also in framework, took over. Cole was told 'free spirits' were incompatible with the modern game, that he had to dovetail his talents to the demands of the team. Roeder's solution, partly forced upon him by the sale of Frank Lampard and an injury to Steve Lomas, was to partner Cole with Michael Carrick, his fellow youth team graduate, in central midfield. It did not always work but West Ham ultimately had a good season with the pair emerging with credit from encounters with Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane. Cole began to learn when to use his tricks and when to play the percentages. Sometimes the process was painful; an optimistic but wayward cross-field pass against Manchester United was converted, by Paul Scholes' interception, into a goal for David Beckham. Tricks, Cole learned, are best used around the opponents' penalty box, not his own.

Meanwhile gym work and weight- training bulked up Cole's physique. Contrary to the belief of some judges he has never shirked the defensive side of the game, he had just lacked the strength and concentration to do it effectively. Last year he put on more than half a stone in muscle, which made him stronger in the tackle as well as harder to dispossess. He also sought to develop the discipline required of his new position, those good habits such as tracking his man when the opposition had the ball.

Yet while he is a fixture for the Hammers he remains on the fringe for England. As a consequence whenever a chance to impress has come his way he has tried too hard – with mixed results.

Cole was first called into the senior squad, just for experience, in the spring of 1999. By October the following year, though still 18, he was in by right. Then came the resignation of Kevin Keegan, a Cole fan who would almost certainly have given him that 'free role', and the appointment of the more tactically-conscious Sven Goran Eriksson.

The Swedish coach watched Cole in three of the first nine matches he attended in England and admitted to being impressed. He remains an enthusiast for a player who "has something special, who can change things", but is unsure how to integrate him.

To date Cole has made seven appearances under Eriksson, the first 15 months ago in a friendly against Mexico at Pride Park. Only once, against Cameroon in the build-up to the World Cup, has he started. The 17 minutes he had against Sweden in England's first World Cup tie in Japan is his only competitive action. Except for 50 minutes against Cameroon, when he partnered Owen Hargreaves in central midfield, he has been played on the flanks, usually the left.

The most telling statistic is that, during these sporadic appearances he has made a telling contribution to four England goals. On the debit side he was also responsible for one Italian goal and made little headway when asked to sprinkle stardust against Sweden. That, perhaps, was why Eriksson called for Kieron Dyer to inject life into England's jaded second-half display against Brazil in the quarter-final rather than Cole.

Or perhaps not, for it was a telling choice. While Cole possesses the greater imagination, Dyer is more explosive and industrious, two qualities Eriksson favours. Dyer, though, lacked confidence in his fitness and was not prepared to attempt to go past people. Cole, one is sure, would have at least tried to make things happen.

Cole thus begins the season as an England irregular. By the standards of Michael Owen, who had won 24 caps by the time he reached 21, Cole is a late developer. But strikers are easier to assess and assimilate. Paul Gascoigne, with whom Cole is often compared, was still to make his international debut at 21, as were Beckham and Scholes. Other prodigies, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, had won four caps.

So time remains on Cole's side. Yet he is in a hurry. He knows an England team of young shavers is being built and Owen, Gerrard and Ashley Cole have already cemented their places. He is competing with Scholes, Hargreaves and Nicky Butt for the place alongside Gerrard, or Trevor Sinclair, Dyer and Emile Heskey for the left flank. The likes of Danny Murphy, Frank Lampard, David Dunn and Carrick are also in the mix.

England would seem to be spoilt for choice but none of these players have Cole's gifts. With Owen's cutting edge and Gerrard's drive Eriksson can afford to build a prosaic side for the Euro 2004 qualifying process. Yet if England are to succeed once in Portugal they will need that bit of fantasy which, as Ronaldinho showed in Japan, can turn a game.

It will be too late, then, to turn to Cole. He needs to be picked consistently starting with next month's friendly against Portugal at Villa Park. For while Cole claims to relish pressure, noting he has spent his entire professional career in the spotlight, only with a regular run will he be sufficiently sure of his place, and familiar enough with the international arena, to maximise the impact of his genius.

Perhaps Eriksson is waiting for Cole to prove himself on a bigger stage as Ferdinand did in the Champions' League after his move to Leeds. Yet while Ferdinand clearly improved for moving out of his comfort zone, West Ham will hope to retain Cole for the moment. No doubt he will be sold eventually but, with Roeder having spent astutely in the summer, the club could challenge for cup honours and a European place this season. That would give Cole the chance to show he can step up a gear without leaving.

A string of talents, from Alan Hudson to Matt Le Tissier, have been neglected by England. Some contributed to their mis-use through a lack of application or wisdom. Cole, level-headed and committed to his craft, needs only the chance.

FOUR OTHER MEN FOR THE SEASON

JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON (MANCHESTER UNITED)

Last year's scape- goat could be this season's inspiration. Creative foreign players often need time to adjust to the speed, intensity and sheer relentlessness of the English game. The example of Robert Pires and Eric Cantona shows the value of perseverance.

RICHARD WRIGHT (EVERTON)

To judge from his decision to quit Highbury, where a 38-year-old bars his way, Wright is a man in a hurry. Believes Eriksson will skip a generation when Seaman finally goes and will certainly get plenty to do at Everton.

JONATHAN WOODGATE (LEEDS UNITED)

The court case is over and a place in Leeds' defence is his to claim again. Recovered form late last season after showing the regret and remorse which continues to elude Lee Bowyer. Now working under a fine coach and it might help if Bowyer gets his move.

MASSIMO MACCARONE (MIDDLESBROUGH)

It will not just be punning headline writers hoping Massimo makes Maccarone out of defenders. Steve McClaren has taken a bold gamble on a player who has never played in Serie A. It is also a brave move for Maccarone.