Cole: We have to change

Joe Cole believes that English teams need to change the way they play to achieve more success in Europe.

Manchester United are the only English club to win the Champions League since the European ban was lifted in 1990 and no other team have reached the final since United's memorable triumph five years ago.

Chelsea got to the semi-finals last season where they lost to Monaco and return to France for their Group H encounter against Paris Saint Germain this evening.

Cole said: "I think that tactically English clubs haven't got it quite right on the European stage. To do well against top teams you've got to keep the ball and when you're playing 4-4-2 it's hard to do that. When you lose the ball you've got noone breaking in between the lines to win it back.

"European teams always seem to have more numbers in midfield and you have to look at the reasons why. We're evolving all the time but have a lot to catch up. We missed out in playing in Europe for a lot of years but Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and ourselves have got a chance to make up the ground."

Chelsea have adopted the diamond formation under Jose Mourinho, with Cole often playing in the hole behind the strikers, and the 22-year-old feels such a system is perfect for the European stage.