Carbone: Di Canio is England saviour

Most West Ham fans believe Paolo Di Canio is capable of anything, but even they might draw the line at portraying him as the architect of a bright England future.

Benito Carbone did not hesitate for a second.The Bradford forward, a team-mate of Di Canio at Sheffield Wednesday, can detect his effect on the development of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard. All three are part of Sven Goran Eriksson's first England squad but might still be waiting without the Svengali influence that Di Canio exerts, according to Carbone.

He said: 'It is no surprise to me that Paolo has become the main player for West Ham because I used to watch him in training every day and I know what he is capable of.

'He has been a huge influence on young players like Cole, Carrick and Lampard. They have clearly learned a lot from watching him on the training pitch and he also makes a point of talking to them a great deal.You can see that during games and they love him for it. 'They love the fact that he wants to help them in their careers. They are listening and learning all the time. 'For the last two years, he has been the Premiership's outstanding player, bar none. He was the best partner I have had and has gone on to become the biggest player in a good West Ham team.' While a slight hamstring strain may prevent Carrick challenging for his first England cap against Spain on Wednesday, Cole surely reported for duty last night with a spring in his step after another compelling display.

Bradford defender Andy O'Brien, charged with shadowing Cole, said: 'I have been asked to do manmarking jobs before but none as difficult as this one. I thought I did all right but it says everything about him that he set up both their goals. The first, in particular, was typical of his quick-thinking. I stopped him having a shot, but he just backheeled the ball straight into Lampard's path. It was brilliant. 'He is a real handful and looks ready to go straight into the England team. He's not just all clever flicks. He gets stuck in.

'I also like the way he conducts himself. I heard Thierry Henry saying he had come to England to play the likes of Manchester United, not Bradford. We can do without that sort of attitude. But there is no edge to Joe.' With Cole and Carrick running midfield and Di Canio providing his sublime touches, West Ham should have won by a landslide. A lion's share of possession, after an exquisitely-worked 18th-minute opener from Lampard, went to waste and spirited Bradford equalised from Eoin Jess's header in the 62nd minute.

Lampard's awareness around the penalty area proved decisive in the 75th minute and ensured that justice was done.