Former England midfielder Joe Cole has insisted that the current generation stand a good chance of not only qualifying from Group D but of winning the World Cup.

Cole said that a combination of low expectations and a good young crop of players ensures that England have the best chance of winning the tournament for a long time.

"I agree with what Wayne Rooney has said - it's the best squad England have had in years," the Aston Villa player told BBC Sport.

"The reason for the lower expectation is that these young players in the squad are at the start of their careers. It's going to be exciting and I think we have got a great chance of doing it."

Cole had 56 caps for the Three Lions.