West Ham striker Carlton Cole says his first England cap has made him even hungrier for success.
Striker even more determined after winning first England cap
Carlton Cole says his first England cap has made him even hungrier for success.
The West Ham striker was handed his international debut when coming on as a 75th minute substitute in England's 2-0 away defeat to Spain.
This taste of life at the highest level has left Cole desperate for more and he is determined to work hard for Hammers - who take on Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Saturday - to earn another call-up.
He told the club's
official website: "This has given me a massive confidence boost now. I know I can get chances in big games with my play and that is what I am going to be working on now at club level.
"I am going to work so hard for West Ham. Hopefully my scoring record will continue and I am just going to get better and better for the club. Now I have had a little taste, I am more hungry now. I want success and I want to get chosen again. I want to stay in the England squad.
"I want much more of this. David Beckham signified how great it is to play for your country with his 108th cap and I was just glad to be on the pitch for my first when he was equalling the record. I was overwhelmed with excitement to be coming on in a game like that, especially as at one point I thought I might miss out."
While pleased to play for England, Cole was also disappointed that the Three Lions lost the game.
Tough
He added: "I had hoped it would be a win but when you are playing the European champions it is tough. I knew we had a great team but they had a better team on the night.
"They deserved their victory. I was disappointed not to score right at the end but I got my 15-minute cameo and it was really good for me to be involved in the England set-up."
He also enjoyed playing under national boss Fabio Capello.
"He is a quality manager. He tells you what he wants and what he expects and you have got to deliver," he said.
"The boys were a bit unlucky. We got outshone by a good side but we have our foundation and England are working towards getting better and better as each game comes."
Kept shirt
Cole kept hold of his Number 21 England shirt at the end of the night as a reminder of the important occasion.
He said: "A few of the Spanish boys wanted to swap shirts but I had to keep it. I don't care who it was who asked me for it. It was one of those things that you never know if the chance will come again. I took it home with me. I was so excited and happy to be on the field."
