Joe Cole: Former England captain John Terry is "the best centre-half in the world"
Blues midfielder pleased to get first action in South Africa against Slovenia
By Anthony Sciarrino
WC 2010 ; John Terry - Matthew Upson, Slovenia - England (Getty Images)
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The Chelsea skipper performed brilliantly in England’s 1-0 victory over Slovenia, which set up a Round of 16 clash with arch-rivals Germany on Sunday.
Terry excelled despite playing with his third different partner in central defense in the World Cup in West Ham United’s Matthew Upson.
Cole thinks that Terry’s display against Slovenia showed why the Blues defender is the best centre-back in the world.
“You can’t knock JT. He is the best centre-half in the world and some of the blocks and the tackles he made against Slovenia were brilliant,” Cole told The Mirror.
“He has played with three different partners, he is the heartbeat of the side and he is an exceptional player.
“We’ve got so many good leaders in the team and it was a great performance from him.”
It was John Terry’s public call for Cole to be given a start against Slovenia drew the ire of England manager Fabio Capello.
However, England supporters have been calling for Cole to start after the Three Lions disappointing results in the first two matches and the midfielder is happy to have been given the opportunity to come on in the 72nd minute against Slovenia.
“England fans know what I can do for my country. I’ve performed well for years now. The main thing, like I said, is the squad game. It is nice to be part of it again.
“I’m glad I’ve played and, if I keep training well, hopefully I can make an impact on this World Cup.
“It is a mental game. You want to play. But it’s a team game, a squad game. I could have got the nod against Slovenia but it worked and I’m available and I’ll fight. If I get one minute, I’ll fight for that one minute. If I start, I’ll fight for that.
Cole called the crunch victory against Slovenia a “nice start” but the Chelsea star believes that England can win the World Cup.
“It is a nice start really and hopefully now we can push on and try and win this World Cup. I feel it is our time and if we keep playing like we did against Slovenia, anything can happen.
“I believe we can win it. We want to do it for everyone back home. The English people deserve to have a team they can be proud of. I just believe it is our turn.
“I think if we all stick together we can go as far as we want in this tournament. I have never been involved in such a tense game as Slovenia. I have played in Champions League finals and FA Cup finals. But we’re delighted to be throug
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