England strong enough to win World Cup: Cole

London, June 1(ANI): England left-back Ashley Cole has made it clear that the Three Lions are strong enough to win the World Cup, and be at the centre of the ultimate showpiece occasion in South Africa's Soccer City on July 11.

"I think we can win it and that's what we're going there to do. I'm not going to say we are going to win the World Cup, but I am willing to say we're good enough to win it," The Mirror quoted Cole, as saying.

"If you look at players like Stevie G, Lamps, Rio and Rooney, we have some great players in that team. And so, if we all play well on the day and have a bit of luck, you never know," he added.

Cole was determined not to send out a message that might reek of arrogance, but the defender did not attempt to play down the expectations that the England squad have of themselves.

"What's important is that we're not over-confident and I don't think we are going to be going into the competition. But we feel that if we play as well as we can, to our capabilities, I don't think we'll have a problem at all," he added.

The 29-year-old made his 78th England appearance in Sunday's friendly against Japan, leaving him just eight caps adrift of Kenny Sansom's left-back record of 86 games. (ANI)