JOE'S '50-50' FOR BRAZIL FRIENDLY

Chelsea midfielder Cole has not played for his country since the 4-1 win over Croatia in September 2008, but has recently made his comeback at club level from a cruciate ligament injury he suffered in January.

England general manager Franco Baldini watched Cole, above, in the midweek

Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid but coach Fabio Capello is mindful of not rushing him back. Cole has been rated as “50-50” to feature in england’s squad for the glamour friendly with Brazil in Doha a week today and will have to not only play, but impress for the Blues against Manchester United tomorrow.

His case has been aided, however, by an injury to Theo Walcott and fitness concerns for Aaron Lennon, Steven Gerrard and James Milner.