Joe Cole last night claimed he could not have done any more to force his way into England's World Cup squad.

Cole was the big winner from England's final warm-up friendly before Fabio Capello names his 23 man squad for South Africa tomorrow.

Chelsea midfielder Cole staked his claim in just 45 minutes with an excellent supersub display and also played a part in England's late fightback as his low cross was turned into the Japan net by Marcus Tanaka.

Cole still faces an anxious wait as Capello prepares to trim seven players but said: “I've never been in this position before. I don't know what I’ll do on Tuesday when the squad's named.

“It's a funny atmosphere. I think its more excitement than anything. There's nothing you can do. We've done everything we can now. We've trained hard. Training's been good. Everyone's been excellent in training.

“I'll just do my thing. Wake up, have my breakfast and away we go. You've got to put football into perspective because it can you drive mad.

“You've just got to be pragmatic about it. I came here ten days ago and I've trained well. I had a good finish to the season. I wasn't starting games but I was having an impact, coming off the bench. I just came here and did my thing.

“But I feel fresh, that's the main thing. I feel fit and strong. But the main thing is to feel fresh at this time in the season. I want to go and have as good a tournament as I had last time, hopefully even better and try to help us win it.”

Cole, who refused to discuss his club future as his Chelsea contract expires this month, admits he is desperate to go to South Africa, having forced his way back into the frame.

He added: “I've enjoyed it because it's been such a long time. Croatia was my last game and I ended that with ten stitches in my head.

“It feels great to be back around the lads. I've missed everyone. A few people have come and gone since I was last here.

“There's a lot of players hoping and a lot of players have a good case. Whatever happens we're all right behind England hoping this is going to be our time.

“The main thing is that it will be good for the country to have a great World Cup and hopefully go and win it.”