Chelsea captain states case for inclusion of his departing club-mate Joe Cole

The growing clamour for Joe Cole's inclusion in England's World Cup line-up has had added to it the voices of both Gary Neville, from outside the camp, and John Terry, from within.

Terry broke ranks to highlight the virtually unique talents of his long-time Chelsea team-mate and feels he could be the key to unlocking the World Cup door for England.

As they teeter on the brink of a humiliating group stage exit, questions are being asked about Cole's lack of involvement in South Africa so far.

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The midfielder played himself into Capello's 23-man squad with an excellent second-half display in the friendly victory over Japan in Austria and was the only England player to feature for the full 90 minutes in a practice match against the Platinum Stars four days after England's arrival at their Rustenburg training base.

But after being heavily tipped to fill the left-sided midfield berth for the Group C opener against the United States, Cole found himself consigned to the bench, where he remained for the entire game, even when Fabio Capello decided to haul James Milner off after half an hour.

Steven Gerrard was given the job for Friday's disappointing draw with Algeria, with Cole again not playing any part. It is not a situation Terry understands, given the ability he knows Cole has.

"Joe is one of the best players in our country," said Terry. "He and Wayne Rooney are the only two who can open things up.

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"It still amazes me how Chelsea have come to the conclusion of letting Joe go. But he can surely do things for England whether he starts or comes on."

If it reads very much like a demand, Terry is eager to get away from the impression he is exerting pressure on Fabio Capello's team selection.

It was suggested a number of senior players wanted David James in goal for the opener, but Capello chose Robert Green instead - and was promptly repaid by a howler that triggered James's return for the Algeria encounter.

Terry recognises a salary of 6m a year demands Capello makes his own decisions.

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The Italian has always given the impression of being his own man, and his former captain insists he is not trying to interfere.

"It is something that I would never do in my career, say this player should be in," he said.

"It is the manager's decision. That is what he gets paid to do. He obviously takes that responsibility."