Joe Cole believes his experience could win him a place in the England starting line-up to face the United States in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
The midfielder, 28, played his first match for England in 20 months against Japan in a friendly in May, having recovered from a serious knee injury.
"Managers like experience, especially at the start of tournaments," he said.
"It would mean the world to me to play against America and play in a third World Cup."
He added: "It's a great feeling. I remember going to Japan in 2002 as a youngster and it was all new but I've still got that energy and I still love it and I love coming away to these tournaments.
"I'm back to my best and want to show it at this World Cup."
However, Cole was keen to state that under Capello's reign, neither he or the rest of the players were assured of a place in the team.
"The great thing about the squad now, which is different to when I have been in England squads before, is that you don't know who the manager is going to pick in any position," he added.
"It keeps everyone on their toes.
Cole had remained a doubt to make the final 23-man squad until he produced a good performance against the Japanese on his return to international football - his 54th cap.
After recovering from his injury, midfielder Cole found it difficult to cement a regular place in Chelsea's championship-winning side this season, although he was instrumental in the Blues' charge towards the end of the season.
However, it was announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving the club on a free transfer in July.
When asked whether he ever thought the knee injury would damage his England future, Cole added: "It crossed my mind I wouldn't make this tournament but I never thought my career was over."
Cole also paid tribute to England coach Fabio Capello, whose style of management has impressed him.
"He's right up there with the best I've worked with," he said. "You need discipline at this level. Football has evolved and there is a lot of player power. He keeps the players on their toes."
The midfielder, 28, played his first match for England in 20 months against Japan in a friendly in May, having recovered from a serious knee injury.
"Managers like experience, especially at the start of tournaments," he said.
"It would mean the world to me to play against America and play in a third World Cup."
He added: "It's a great feeling. I remember going to Japan in 2002 as a youngster and it was all new but I've still got that energy and I still love it and I love coming away to these tournaments.
"I'm back to my best and want to show it at this World Cup."
However, Cole was keen to state that under Capello's reign, neither he or the rest of the players were assured of a place in the team.
"The great thing about the squad now, which is different to when I have been in England squads before, is that you don't know who the manager is going to pick in any position," he added.
"It keeps everyone on their toes.
Cole had remained a doubt to make the final 23-man squad until he produced a good performance against the Japanese on his return to international football - his 54th cap.
After recovering from his injury, midfielder Cole found it difficult to cement a regular place in Chelsea's championship-winning side this season, although he was instrumental in the Blues' charge towards the end of the season.
However, it was announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving the club on a free transfer in July.
When asked whether he ever thought the knee injury would damage his England future, Cole added: "It crossed my mind I wouldn't make this tournament but I never thought my career was over."
Cole also paid tribute to England coach Fabio Capello, whose style of management has impressed him.
"He's right up there with the best I've worked with," he said. "You need discipline at this level. Football has evolved and there is a lot of player power. He keeps the players on their toes."
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