Joe Cole knows a thing or two about World Cups, having played in three of them: 2002, 2006 and 2010.
Describing coming off the bench for his first World Cup game against Sweden in 2002, he said, "That was an amazing experience for a young 20-year-old man and becoming one of the youngest players in a World Cup for England....it all goes so quick and blurry, and you just want to do well."
Probably his finest moment in an England shirt came when he scored a famous long range volley, again against Sweden. "That was amazing - people still talk to me about it now and I'm sure they will in 10, 20, 30 years time because it was such a special goal - on the biggest stage with the whole of the world watching you."
We spoke to Joe, newly signed to Aston Villa, to discover his Top 5 World Cup Moments, including memories from 1990, 1998 and 2006.
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5. Roberto Baggio's Goal Against Czechoslovakia, 1990
"I'd probably go with Baggio's goal in 1990 against Czechoslovakia, where he jinked in and out - it started me sort of following his career from there in Italian football. He's one of my favourite players of all-time, he always delivered on the big stage."
4. Michael Owen's Goal Against Argentina, 1998
"Michael Owen's goal at St Etienne for England against Argentina. We went to the same national school - he's only 2 years older than me - so, seeing him score that goal on that stage and knowing that we'd trained on the same pitches, and that it was possible for a player to go and do that on the world stage was amazing."
3. David Platt Scoring Against Belgium, 1990
"David Platt's goal against Belgium in the World Cup in 1990, when he hit it on the volley. I can just remember running straight out the next morning with a ball and just trying to do that volley - that technique - for about a week."
2. Zidane's Penalty Against Italy, 2006
"Zidane's penalty in the 2006 final. It was amazing. One of my idols again, on the big stage, to be able to do that...it's one thing to do it in a friendly, or a league match or something like that, but to do it on that stage was remarkable and shows why the man is just class."
1. Gazza in Italia '90
"Just watching Gazza play in the 1990 World Cup. He's my all-time favourite and watching the game against Holland, and then Germany - when he bossed Lothar Matthäus - that just made me want to play football. That was the start of me wanting to be a professional footballer, watching Gazza play in that tournament."
Joe Cole, is a loyal ACUVUE® contact lens wearer and would never have been able to play for England without his 1-Day ACUVUE® MOIST. He has been wearing contact lenses for most of his career and credits them to his success and performance. He recommends regular check-ups and wearing contact lenses could give all sports people the winning edge. For more information on contact lenses please visit www.acuvue.co.uk
(Images: Getty)
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