Joe Cole looks set for World Cup squad

Fabio Capello has dropped the broadest hint yet that Joe Cole will be part of his 23-man World Cup squad.

The Chelsea star's position had looked in serious threat when Capello left him out of his squad for the March friendly against Egypt.

Although Cole had returned to action following major knee surgery, Capello had noted that "it was not the same player" and the odds seemed stacked against the 29-year-old making it to South Africa.

But with the Italian having doubts over the inexperience of Adam Johnson, Cole's eye-catching 45-minute cameo in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Japan in Graz was probably enough to grant him a place on the plane to South Africa.

"I know Joe Cole very well," said the Italian. "He is in a good moment. He is fresh because he did not play a lot of games. Joe Cole is good. He played very well in the second half."

Capello went further when pushed on whether he was facing any tough choices ahead of the announcement of the final 23 man squad on Tuesday, "I know my squad for South Africa. It is the same 23 that was always in my mind."