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James Milner says Joe Cole will have to fight to get back into the England squad - even though he is a big fan of the Chelsea star.
Milner is expected to start his first game for England in the friendly against Brazil on Saturday having already impressed in five matches as a substitute.
The Aston Villa midfielder is a strong favourite to make the World Cup squad next summer after consistent praise from coach Fabio Capello since the Italian took charge.
David Beckham and Aaron Lennon are also expected to be included in the final 23, meaning places for other wide men are limited.
Cole, who has impressed since returning to Chelsea's first team after eight months out with a knee injury, was surprisingly ignored by Capello for the Brazil clash in Doha and Milner is certainly not prepared to give up his place without a fight.
He said: "I don't look at what my rivals for a place, like Joe, are doing. All I can control is how well I train and how well I play.
"There is a lot of competition for places but everyone is desperate to be in that squad. I have belief in my ability and that I should be in the squad and I must take every opportunity to prove it.
"Ultimately it's down to me, my form and the way I'm playing. I'd be absolutely gutted if I missed out.
"I have taken things from other player's games, like Joe, and try and use it. He was definitely one of our best players in the last World Cup and if I am lucky enough to go, I hope to make an impact like he did and help England do as well as we can.
"Joe's a player I admired when I was coming through as a youngster. He's become a slightly different player the older he's got, but he's a top player and you obviously want to learn from the best.
"He has a lot of tricks and knows when to use them. The important thing is knowing to do it in the right areas and he does that."
England will be looking for a first victory against Brazil since 1990 on Saturday, and Milner added: "We want to put that record right and it's a good opportunity for us to do that.
"They're obviously a top team, but we want to finish the year well and get as much confidence as we can before the World Cup next year. We have confidence in our own ability."
