last updated: Friday 25 September 2009, 08:56am

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Cole focusing on Chelsea

Joe Cole

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says he wants to rediscover his best form for the Blues before thinking of earning a place in England's World Cup squad.

Cole made his first appearance for eight months in the club's 1-0 Carling Cup third-round win over QPR on Wednesday night after recovering from knee ligament damage.

The 27-year-old has been forced to watch from the sidelines as England qualified for next summer's finals in South Africa without his services.

Now he has a battle ahead to convince England coach Fabio Capello that he is worth being part of the 23-man squad.

Cole said: 'Our country is on a high with the way the lads are playing - it's great. I'd like to get back but that's all in good time.

'For me it's just a case of taking it day by day and keep working hard. When England comes along I'll take that challenge.'

He added: 'I don't want to get into talking about England. It would be stupid to say I'm back and I want to be here, there and everywhere.

'I just want to get stronger every day and take what I can out of training. I can't rush it.

'Chelsea are playing well and England are playing well - it's fantastic.

'All I can do is get to the best quality I can and I'm confident when I get there, I'll get an awful lot of games this year.'

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