West Ham United striker Carlton Cole fears for his England World Cup chances.

Cole was well placed in the battle for the Premier League Golden Boot before being sidelined with a knee injury - scoring seven times for Gianfranco Zola's relegation-threatened Hammers.

Cole, 26, who misses today's visit of former club Chelsea, admitted: "It doesn't feel good to see these guys scoring all the time!

"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."