Eriksson backs Cole for England

Sven-Goran Eriksson today hinted that Joe Cole's standout display against Barcelona had improved his chances of winning a regular England place.

Cole set up two goals and hit the post in Chelsea's 4-2 victory on Tuesday, which put Jose Mourinho's team in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The midfielder, whose last appearance for his country was for five minutes at the end of the 1-0 win in Azerbaijan last October, has 19 caps but has only started twice for England.

He could now play a key role in England's Group Six games against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan at the end of the month.

Eriksson said: "I think it is probably fair to say it is the best performance that I have seen from Cole.

"Since the start of this season he has played better and better. He is playing more, which helps, but he is becoming more mature, growing in confidence and getting stronger physically.