We are not the “golden generation” – Cole

England midfielder Joe Cole claims the current English players do not merit the ‘Golden Generation’ tag but has stated his belief that they can win the 2010 World Cup.

“We don’t like to be called the Golden Generation. That was put upon us,” he told BBC Sport, but he conceded: “You always think you can do it, but this time I think it’s our time and we can do it if the country believes.

“I think we can do it this time. I’ve never felt it like this before in other tournaments.

“I thought it was an excellent performance against Slovenia and we can’t wait to get to grips with Germany.

“The history between the two countries is immense and the 1990 World Cup was the first tournament I watched.

“I can remember when Gazza (Paul Gascoigne) got booked and we lost on penalties to Germany in the semi-finals.”