There will be no fear, insists Cole

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A 2-0 defeat in the Maksimir Stadium two years ago left England playing catch-up in their ultimately failed bid to reach the Euro 2008 finals, but Cole is confident England will be firing on all cylinders.

The Chelsea midfielder said: "It is a game of football. You can't go out there and play with fear. I'll do my thing, go and try to do my best like I always do. The rest of the lads will - and we will try to win the game."

He added: "It is very hostile when you go to these places, very emotional crowds, who get right behind their team, so it will be difficult, but we are right up for the challenge.

"We are all experienced players, we've been there and done it, and we know what to expect in that sense.

"We know there is going to be an atmosphere and we've got to be right on our toes, but we've been there and done that."

Cole is looking for England to pay more respect to the Croats on this occasion.

He said: "Last time we went there, we under-estimated them a bit. But, looking at their performances in the Euros, they are a top side with great players.

"I think you need to be solid and tough, you need to be compact and you need everyone's experience on the pitch because it is going to be a hostile environment.

"But I love those games, they are the ones you play for."