Cool Cole is McClaren's choice to put Israel in their place

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McClaren gave his clearest hint today that Cole will be on the left side of midfield in England's starting line-up for the crucial European Championship qualifier at Wembley, with team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips on the opposite flank.

Man for the big occasion: Joe Cole

He said: "Joe is a big player for us and and we missed him a lot when he was out injured last season.

"He had a good World Cup but he didn't play that many times last season and that was frustrating for him.

"Joe is the type who just wants to play football and I like that kind of enthusiasm in a player.

"He always wants the ball, nothing fazes him and on big occasions - those are the type of players you need."

McClaren, who is already without big-name players like David Beckham, Gary Neville, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, is desperate for Steven Gerrard to play and he could be heading for a confrontation with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez over the midfielder's fitness.

McClaren confirmed that Gerrard won't play if there is any substantial risk but said: "We want Stevie on the field. We want him fit and able to play.

"I've got to do what I have to do, make sure the best players are available to us to help us win this game."

Asked whether he had the power to override Liverpool's concern, he said: "Yes, I believe so but we won't take an unnecessary risk.

"We will all work together and I will take advice from my medical team."

McClaren also said that he would use Russia coach Gus Hiddink's comments about England being frightened of winning as motivation for the players.

"I don't take very much notice of people's opinions, particularly those who are not within this squad and don't know," he said.

"I won't comment on other teams because I have enough on my plate dealing with my own.

"We have to show though, that he's wrong to hold that opinion and it has to be the motivation of the England team over the next two games.

"We have a lot to prove, a lot to do and we have to start doing it. We have five games to qualify, with four at home, but first we have to win this one."