Cole has class, poise and a great eye for attacking options and is a calm, effective defender. Some see his defending as a weakness but he is obviously coming on in leaps and bounds.

He came through the ranks at Highbury's Centre of Excellence, initially as a striker, but was restricted to just a handful of appearances for the first team, with several of those coming in Worthington Cup ties when he made his debut against Middlesbrough in 1999.

An injury to Brazilian left-back Silvinho during the 2000/01 season gave Cole the opportunity of an extended run in Arsene Wenger's first team and the youngster did not fail his manager.

Pace and timing in the tackle helped Cole fit seamlessly into the infamous Arsenal back four and his forward runs often added an extra threat down the left.

Cole's form led to the sale of Silvinho in the summer of 2001.

His excellent performances domestically and in the Champions League caught the eye of England manager Sven Goran Eriksson who included Cole in his first England squad in February 2001.

Made his England debut in a World Cup qualifying match against Albania in March 2001. The youngster started ahead of Chris Powell as Eriksson looked to utilize his attacking talents against England's group nine rivals.

Retained his place in England's starting eleven for the friendly against Mexico in May and the World Cup qualifier in Greece.

After years bemoaning the Great England Problem - left-back and the left side of midfield - commentators and columnists now relish the opportunity to talk of Cole becoming a fixture in the England side for the next decade and more.

Has been criticised for going to ground too early at times and being rash in the tackle, but remains a vital player for Eriksson.

Was a vital member of the England squad at the 2002 World Cup finals, starting each of his country's games before they went out to Brazil in the quarter-finals.