David Markham reports on the growing clamour for West Ham star Joe Cole to be picked for England

WEST HAM midfield player Joe Cole will play for England. That's the view of defender David Wetherall, one of the Bradford City players who tried to cope with the danger posed by one of the country's brightest young talents during the Bantams' 5-4 defeat at Upton Park.

Wetherall had not seen Cole at close quarters before, but he put aside his disappointment at City's defeat to praise the 18-year-old.

There is speculation that Kevin Keegan will choose Cole in the England squad for next week's international against Argentina at Wembley when he announces it on Thursday.

But whether he is selected this time or not Wetherall is convinced he will be an England player one day soon.

"Joe Cole is a bit special," enthused Wetherall. "With players like him and Di Canio, West Ham have got talent right through the side.

"Joe Cole can play for England. I don't know when, that is Kevin Keegan's decision, but I am sure at some time in the future he will do."

While all the publicity after the match focussed on Di Canio, Cole impressed with his ball skills, passing and movement, not to mention his crucial equaliser to look a complete midfield player.

Cole, who played for England under-21s in their friendly international against Denmark at Valley Parade in October, was on the bench when West Ham beat City 3-0 at the end of August, but gained a regular place in the side soon afterwards.

He made a big impression when he came on as substitute ten minutes from the end of West Ham's 1-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road in October and almost swung the game for West Ham after Leeds had dominated the match.

His substitute appearance convinced manager Harry Redknapp that Cole should be in the starting line-up from then on.

Cole, who was born at Islington in Arsenal territory, has been on West Ham's books since he was 11, but has been actively courted by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

The United manager once invited him to travel on the team coach after they had won the cup, but all his attempts to prise him away from West Ham have failed.

Cole made his full first team debut in an FA Cup third round tie at home to Swansea last season. His first goal was a stoppage time winner in West Ham's 3-2 victory at Birmingham in the Worthington Cup in December and his first Premiership goal arrived on Saturday when he equalised at 4-4.

Redknapp has said that goalscoring is the only element missing from his game so he was pleased to see him score against City. "There is nothing this boy cannot do," said Redknapp. "Nothing fazes him."

One of Cole's biggest tests was in West Ham's 0-0 draw at Chelsea. But afterwards Redknapp said: "He has been out there with world class players and he didn't look out of place. He has no fear."

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