World Cup Star out of Chelsea

You could be forgiven for thinking I've made a mistake with the title with Chelsea player after Chelsea player being hit by injury. First it was Alex, then Ballack, Drogba broke his arm and Mikel soon joined the list.

This morning Chelsea announced that fan favourite Joe Cole would be leaving Stamford Bridge this Summer after a new contract failed to materialise. The 28 year old is widely expected to start on the left flank for the Three Lions against the USA.

With Joe Cole's future at club level uncertain, will the player play like a player in the proverbial shop-window, keen to impress and determined to catch the eye of scouts from the world's top clubs? Cole's glorious swirling first-time strike against Sweden was a highlight of England's last World Cup campaign in Germany and despite an injury-hit season, the former West Ham man still has the ability to put in a repeat performance.

Pete Guest