John Terry urged England coach Fabio Capello to recall Joe Cole for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Slovenia.
Terry believes Cole and Wayne Rooney are the only players capable of breaking down opposing defences.
Cole was the only player to feature for the entire 90 minutes in the World Cup practice match against the Platinum Stars.
But he has so far been overlooked by Capello for the disappointing draws with the United States and Algeria.
But Terry believes a firing Cole can make the difference for England, who have to defeat Slovenia to reach the last 16.
He said: “I think Joe can transform our form. We saw at Chelsea that he was a great boost for us when coming back from injury at the right time.
“He got a great goal away from home against Manchester United which proved to be vital.
“Joe is one of those players whether he starts or is on the training field, who gives everything, and always makes himself available.”
Terry added: “I personally think Joe and Wayne are the only two in the side who can really open up things and the key to breaking down defences.
“If he is called upon, Joe will do a great job.”
Terry knows England have to reproduce their form of the qualifying campaign when they won nine out of 10 matches.
And he knows the importance of making sure the players are unaffected by nerves or pressure.
He said: “I’ve heard things this morning about players playing with fear.
“At any level, whether England or Chelsea, there is always a little bit of nerves. That was the case for me at 17 and is still there at 31. That will never go away.
”But once you step over the line that is gone and you are totally focused on the job in hand.
”The simple fact of the matter is that we just haven’t performed."
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