England hopeful Carlton Cole is frustrated at seeing his international team-mates scoring whilst he is injured. The West Ham striker is currently sidelined with a knee injury and has been forced to watch on as other English forwards stake their claim for a World Cup place.

Cole scored seven goals in 13 Premier League games before he suffered his injury, and is desperate to get back playing again to stake his claim.

"It doesn't feel good to see these guys scoring all the time," he said in the Daily Star.

"But they're all top players and it's what you expect. That's why I was so disappointed when I got injured because I knew I would be overtaken in the goal rankings.

"I've been trying to keep up with the likes of Defoe, Bent, Rooney and others - and to make sure I stayed in the top ten all season.

"I think I was seventh before my injury - so I know I've got to work hard to get the problem out the way and come back strong in the second half of the season.

"It's been my dream to play and score at a World Cup finals since I was little kid. Hopefully, I can keep that dream alive."

Hammers fans will also be hoping Cole can return as soon as possible as they look to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.

"I really want to focus on West Ham," he added.

"But, if you're going to be injured in World Cup year, I suppose the earlier in the season it happens, the better it is."

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