Mr. Fabio Capello; Are You Joe-Kin?

After under-par performances by the three lions in their first two games, the only thing that we can say without a doubt is that England's top guns failed to rise to the occasion, as has been the case for a very long time now.

Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard seemed to have borrowed Harry Potter's invisibility cloak.

But the biggest shock, in my opinion, has been the exclusion of Joe Cole from the starting eleven.

In my previous article, I had mentioned Aaron Lennon's importance to this squad, and how his pace should be exploited more by Fabio Capello. But the fact is that, he lacks the experience when it comes to such a big stage. Shaun Wright Philips, who is not a regular for his club, was brought on with 30 minutes to go. Can there be any bigger insult to a player like Joe Cole, who sat on the bench, and watched his team mates play one of their worst games ever?

Question #1, WHY was he left out of the starting eleven? After the USA game, in which England clearly lacked the creativity, I thought Capello would definitely start Joe Cole in the second game

Question #2,WHY was he not brought on in the latter stages of the game? Instead SWP was given a run out, he couldnt get past a single defender, couldnt pick out a pass or a cross.

If injury is the reason for his exclusion then please explain to me Aaron Lennon's inclusion. He too was injured for quite sometime before the start of the world cup. And other than pace, Azza cannot offer even half of what Joe cole can. What  Cole brings to the team, no one else can. He is undoubtedly the most creative and technically gifted player England have seen in a long time.

''To win a world cup, you need players who can do something different, whether it be a bit of skill, a dribble to beat two or three men or something out of the ordinary. Thats what Joe Cole provides and i really hope he starts tomorrow''- Alan Shearer said before the Algeria game

Joe Cole has had a very tough season both physically and psychologically. His appearances for Chelsea have been minimal. But whenever he was on the field, he was running his socks off, chasing the balls to the corners and trying to prove a point. He ended up with ten assists for Chelsea

Cole, in my opinion, was england's stand out performer in the 2006 world cup.It was Cole's  two-goal-dazzling-display that gave England a victory over Andorra which ensured that Capello's reign at england began with a win.

If  England can't break down an Algerian defense, then how will they fair against teams with world class defenders? In tense encounters and against well-marshalled back lines, it is the ability to play the defence-splitting 'killer pass' or be able to turn the game with a moment of magic which carries the highest premium.

 The arrogant back-heeled finish against Manchester united, which won Ancelotti his first premier league, showed the world that even when joe cole is down, he is not out and he can still perform at the highest stage.

Capello needs to show more faith in him. Cole himself admitted that he loves playing when the manager puts faith in him. Cole, on his day can have demoralizing effects on an opposition defense. Capello should realise this and play him before its too late, it could not possibly get worse than it already is