Cole plea to Eriksson for starting spot

Joe Cole today urged Sven-Goran Eriksson to give him a starring role in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales.

The Chelsea midfielder has never started a competitive game for England but injuries to Wayne Bridge, Steven Gerrard and Kieron Dyer have increased his chances of facing Mark Hughes's side at Old Trafford.

Cole issued a timely reminder of his ability against Liverpool yesterday, scoring the only goal of the game in front of Eriksson at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premiership.

The 22-year-old has played with greater consistency for Chelsea this season and hopes to emulate team-mate Frank Lampard by becoming an England regular.

Cole said: "Starting for England would be a huge thing for me and it's a step I want to make. Frank's come into the team recently and shown it can be done. He came into the side halfway through last season and was one of our better players at Euro 2004.

"I'd like to get that chance. Frank's career has gone up and up and I'd like to follow him. My game's getting better and better all the time. I'm playing in one of the best team's in Europe and international football is the next step."