Midfielder Joe Cole is hoping his Chelsea form will earn him an England place in this weekend's opening World Cup qualifier in Austria.

Cole's fortunes have improved markedly since Jose Mourinho replaced Claudio Ranieri in the close season, with the 22-year-old finally getting the freedom to display his ball skills in a playmaking role behind the strikers.

Though touted as a saviour of English football since he was a teenager at West Ham United, before moving to Stamford Bridge last year, Cole has struggled to establish himself at the top level for club and country.

Seen by his critics as a luxury player, Cole was considered good enough by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to make the England squad for Euro 2004 but never made the pitch in Portugal.

Determined not to be weighed down by past disappointments, Cole told reporters on Wednesday: "My career is getting better each year and I'm getting a better player.

"Every footballer will experience ups and downs and I've had my fair share in my career, but I'm playing for a team at the top of the league, I'm playing well and I'm in the England squad.

"I can't say I'm frustrated because I'm still doing what I dreamed of as a kid. I wouldn't change anything.

"I'm only 22 and there's a still a lot of football to be played," he added. "That's how it's gone for me and now I'm only looking to the future. I'm just going to try and do the best for my country when I get the chance."

That chance could come on Saturday, when England face Austria in Vienna, as Eriksson has indicated that the problem role on the left side of midfield will go to Cole, Kieron Dyer or Wayne Bridge.

"I feel I can offer the team a different dimension, coming off the left or in the middle...because when it's your country, you'll play anywhere," Cole said.

Cole has certainly not been tied down to a fixed position by Mourinho, who has shown faith in his creative talents.

"I've just got to try and get on the ball and keep the game moving," Cole said. "I don't know how to describe it, but it's more natural for me. I'm playing more like myself."