Carlton Cole said England coach Fabio Capello likes how he has improved and still has hopes for selection to the World Cup. The 26-year-old has had a stop-start season with the Hammers having overcome a serious knee injury which kept him on the sidelines for two months during a season in which Gianfranco Zola's men have struggled to maintain consistency and found themselves hovering above the relegation zone.

"I think Fabio Capello likes me," Cole told The Independent.

"Maybe he can see I have got the potential to be a good footballer and I am still willing to learn.

"I have improved over the last 18 months rapidly and I have still got loads to do as well. He can see that I am trying.

"He loves that endeavour in a player, who wants to learn and never gives up."

On his chances of World Cup selection, he added: "If it does happen and I go to the World Cup with England, I'll be a proud man. If it doesn't I'll still feel that way.

"I feel I have come a long way from where I was 18 months ago. It has been a long journey and I am proud of what I have achieved."