Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: John Terry, England, Chelsea
Josh Lawless
Carlton Cole was warned by John Terry about an England star who stunned him with the levels he played at.
Cole came through the ranks at Chelsea and made his debut in 2002, playing 31 times for the Blues.
He played for England at various youth levels, including scoring six goals in 19 appearances for the Under 21's.
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But his senior international bow did not arrive until 2009 when he was brought on as a 75th minute substitute against Spain. Cole would on to make a further six cameos for the Three Lions during Fabio Capello's spell in charge.
Going into his first call-up, which came when he was at West Ham, Cole was curious about the quality of players in the set-up and got a rave review from Terry about Wayne Rooney, who scored 53 goals in 123 appearances for his country.
Speaking on FC Bullard, Cole admitted that Rooney was the player who left him in awe as soon as he rubbed shoulders with him.
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Asked about which player wowed him, Cole replied: "Wayne Rooney man. He was just diabolical wasn't he? He does what he wants. The levels man. Because remember I actually hadn't seen him because he missed our group when we were at Under 21's so I'd never come across him.
"I said to JT, 'Is he that good Wazza, is he actually that good?' He goes, 'Oh Coley, he's unbelievable'."
Rooney also had immense respect for former Chelsea and England captain Terry, naming him as his toughest opponent because of his ability on the ball and his tackling.
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Speaking on The Overlap - brought to you by Sky Bet, Rooney explained: “I’ve always said John Terry was one of the toughest defenders to play against. On the ball he was very good - he was brilliant, and he could tackle. I also used to like playing against big centre-backs because I wanted a challenge and wanted that body contact - I could spin them all and come off them, then take them on. John Terry was the toughest though.”
The praise came despite Rooney openly admitting to changing his studs to hurt England teammate Terry in an over-the-top challenge in a top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge back in April 20026.
Rooney claimed Terry left crutches following the poorly-timed challenge, though he later suffered injury himself after breaking three metatarsal bones prior to the World Cup.