ENGLAND winger Joe Cole has refused to be drawn on his future after being released by Chelsea since he is focusing on the World Cup that kicks off tomorrow.

ENGLAND winger Joe Cole has refused to be drawn on his future after being released by Chelsea since he is focusing on the World Cup that kicks off tomorrow.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday, Cole insisted that he was focusing on the World Cup and that he would leave his manager to sort out his future after the tournament. A Chelsea media statement confirmed that Cole would no longer be with the club from July 1.

"The story about my future has been going for a while now. It's a story to be told another day," Cole said.

"But now I'm here to do my best for England. I'm looking forward to my third World Cup and getting the job done.

"My future will sort itself out."

Together with Michael Ballack, Cole has been released by Chelsea after disagreements over new deals.

The 28-year-old Cole admitted the thought of missing the World Cup did cross his mind, but he has never been afraid that his playing days were over, a constant battle with injuries notwithstanding.

"It's been a great comeback for me after struggling a lot with injuries.

"But now I'm getting back to my best and hoping to do well at the World Cup.

"Fabio (Capello) is a great manager. He is right up with the best coaches I've worked with in my career.

"Whether or not I'll start against the US on Saturday depends entirely on him," Cole said.

On his impression of the official World Cup ball, Cole said: "I've heard complaints about the ball, but there's no excuse. It's 11 players against 11 on the day and it will all be the same for us.

"Goalkeepers are petrified, though."

He said he has adapted well to the altitude, saying: "We'll all breath the same air and play under the same weather conditions. There should be no excuses."

l Top US scorer Joyz Altidore and influential defender Oguchi Onyewu have recovered from injuries and will be available for Saturday's match.