Liverpool icon John Barnes is happy to see Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole in England's final World Cup squad.

Barnes says Cole will help give England more balance in the World Cup than an out-and-out winger.

Barnes, who played at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, feels England will be best served on the left with Cole going forward and Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole at full-back.

"Joe has re-emerged now, showing his form and quality and I think he would help Ashley Cole," said Barnes, who won 79 England caps.

"Ashley Cole likes to attack and when he has a winger outside him he doesn't get forward as well as when he plays with a midfield player who comes infield a lot."