Mark Noble claims West Ham team-mate Carlton Cole 'is one of the best forwards in the country' and backed him to go to the World Cup.
Hammers midfielder Noble has been impressed with Cole's performances for Gianfranco Zola's men this term as his nine Premier League goals to date - despite a two-month absence with a knee injury - has boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation.
England boss Fabio Capello will name his squad for next week's friendly with Egypt on Saturday and Noble fully expects Cole to be among the list of forwards for the game at Wembley and the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer.
Noble told skysports.com "He just seems to get better all the time. The difference between him now and when he first came to the club (is massive).
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We knew he had loads of ability, but, I do not know why, he just wasn't showing it.
"Now, he is one of the best forwards in the country. He is fantastic for us and I'm sure he will continue to be. I'm sure a seat on the plane to South Africa will be his."