Ferdinand in reckoning for Zagreb

Rio Ferdinand trained with England on Monday morning and will travel with the squad for Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier in Croatia.

The Manchester United defender came through the session after missing the victory in Andorra because of neck and back problems.

Meanwhile, England coach Fabio Capello says he is undecided whether to hand Joe Cole a starting role in Zagreb.

Cole came off the bench to score both goals in the 2-0 win over Andorra.

Capello said: "I've got to think about Joe. He is very good for himself at the moment and very good for us. But I have to decide what the first 11 will be.

"It will be another game - and it will a different sort of game."

Cole has not started an England game since the friendly defeat away to France in March.

He came off the bench to earn a draw at home to the Czech Republic at Wembley in August and it was his introduction at half-time that turned the game in England's favour in Barcelona against Andorra. PHIL MCNULTY BLOG
with England knowing the ramifications of defeat in Zagreb could be long-term, it is the perfect time to put total trust in Cole. Take him for what he is


But with England's lack of a goalscoring threat, it seems likely that Cole will be back in the starting line-up against Croatia in place of the ineffective Stewart Downing.

Captain John Terry said: "Coley came on with a fresh pair of legs and showed great movement for his first goal and the second one. They were two great finishes. He was fantastic.

"I am delighted for Coley. He has been on fire at Chelsea and he has come on and turned things. When he is not in the team he is really frustrated because he wants to play. I am delighted for him."

Capello opted for an experimental side against Andorra, with Theo Walcott earning a first England start on the right side of midfield.

The England coach was pleased with the teenager's introduction but is likely to bring back the greater experience of former skipper David Beckham or Tottenham's David Bentley.

But Beckham is not assuming he will add to his 104 caps against Croatia.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder said: "Every player wants to play. We've got a very good squad of young players that want to play. Everyone in the squad wants to play a game.

"There are going to be disappointed players but that is the way it is in football.

"Do I expect a recall? We will have to wait and see. We have got players in our team that can play in any game of football, whether it be out here in Barcelona, where it is not going to be as hostile as on Wednesday, or in Zagreb.

"It will be a tough game but, although we might have some young players in our team, they have played in some of the biggest games in football with their clubs. They have got that experience."

If Ferdinand is fit he is set to partner Terry at the heart of the defence after Joleon Lescott filled in against Andorra.

Wes Brown may also be recalled at right-back after making way for Glenn Johnson, while the power of Emile Heskey could be preferred to Jermain Defoe up front. Croatia are a good team and when they play at home the fans help the players a lot

England lost both games against Croatia in their unsuccessful European Championship qualifying campaign.

There is a feeling that a point on Wednesday would be considered a good result but Capello said his side will be looking for all three when they go to Zagreb.

"Croatia will be another game, not like Andorra," he insisted. "We have to play to win, always.

"I followed Croatia a lot in the European Championship. They are a good team and when they play at home the fans help the players a lot. The fans are very strong in terms of emotion and passion.

"Are England good enough to get a result? Yes, I think so. I am confident in my team."