Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says teammate Frank Lampard is back to his very best.

Both Blues stars are expected to start tomorrow night for England against Croatia and Cole said: Cole said: "Frank is playing really well. When you come back from injury, you do get a bit of freshness back. Frank has done well, not only with his performances but in keeping himself fit to play for four years non-stop.

"After having that little break, he has come back and gone onto another level. It is great to have him back in the side.

"A fit and firing Frank makes all the difference. His goals are vital but not only that, his performances, his stature as player, puts fear into the opposition. He is vital for us.

"With Frank, you don't realise how good he is until he is not there. He does a bit of everything. We missed Frank when he wasn't playing.

"If course, the manager needs to make decisions as to who to bring in for Wednesday but it is great to have Frank back playing. He has always played well but, with that break, he has taken himself onto another level."