Former Joe Cole believes luck and fate will determine whether England can end 60 years of hurt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he reflected on his own agonising experience in 2010.
The Three Lions are preparing for a quarterfinal clash against Norway on Saturday, with a place in the last four at stake. Cole, who won 56 caps for his country, knows better than most how fine the margins are on the biggest stage.
In this World Cup, everything needs to work. If the big man upstairs says it’s England’s time, then it’s England’s time.
The Ghost of Bloemfontein
Cole was part of Fabio Capello’s squad in South Africa 16 years ago, a campaign scarred by Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in the last 16. With England trailing 2–1, Lampard’s shot clearly crossed the line, but no goal was given. Germany ran out 4–1 winners.
“We had the momentum, we were playing well, and that moment changed everything,” Cole recalled. “It wasn't just a bad decision; it felt like the football gods were against us. Sometimes you need that bit of fortune—it's the same now.”
A New Generation, Same Old Hopes
Gareth Southgate’s current side is loaded with talent, bolstered by a core that won the 2024 European Championship. The likes of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have matured, but Cole insists that ability alone is not enough.
“We’ve arguably got the best squad out there, but that guarantees nothing. You need the refereeing decisions to go your way, the bounce of the ball, and that intangible sense of destiny. You can’t control it—you just have to believe.”
Cole pointed to the quarterfinal stage as a psychological hurdle. England have fallen at this exact round in three of their last four World Cups (2002, 2006, 2022), adding to the pressure against a well-organised Norway side that eliminated Argentina in the previous round.
Why This Time Could Be Different
Despite the cautionary tale from 2010, Cole sees reasons for optimism. “The togetherness of this group is special. They’ve grafted out results when not playing well—that’s a sign of champions. And with a bit of help from above, who knows?”
England’s route to the semifinal is clear if they can navigate past Norway and their defensive talisman Erling Haaland. A potential meeting with holders France awaits, but the dream of a first World Cup since 1966 is alive.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Cole believes fate and luck are essential ingredients for World Cup success, citing his own 2010 heartbreak.
- England’s squad is arguably the strongest in the tournament, but Cole warns that talent alone cannot guarantee glory.
- The disallowed Frank Lampard goal remains a painful reminder of how small moments can decide World Cup campaigns.
- England face a tough quarterfinal against Norway, but the current side’s resilience offers hope of a deep run.
Quick Facts
Joe Cole’s England career: 56 caps, 10 goals (2001–2014)
2010 World Cup: England eliminated in Round of 16 by Germany (1–4)
Current World Cup campaign: England vs Norway quarterfinal, July 11, 2026
Last World Cup meeting: England 3–0 Norway (1998, group stage)