Joe Cole and David Dunn - rich in potential.

By Reece Killworth, Sportinglife.com

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Cole made his full England debut as a substitute against Mexico in May last year and was impressive, although he should have marked his first appearance with a goal.

His four matches for the Under-21 side saw him confirm his potential as one of England's brightest stars and he was subsequently fast-tracked into the full squad.

Dunn has been an inspirational captain for the Under-21 side, making fourteen appearances since breaking through at Blackburn.

In that time he has netted three times including a sensational solo goal in the European Championship play-off against Holland.

But while both players have shown their immense potential at both Under-21 and club level, they have played just 45 minutes between them at the highest level.

COLE: 6/10. DUNN: 6/10.

FORM THIS SEASON

Injuries have limited Cole's appearances this season, but since returning to fitness he has been in good form.

After finally shaking off a troublesome foot problem in November, Cole has been switched into central midfield in what has been a masterstroke by West Ham boss Glenn Roeder.

He has shown a maturity beyond his years, leading team-mate David James to say he was "looking a million dollars".

Dunn has missed a handful of matches for Blackburn but has caught the eye with a string of powerful displays from the centre of midfield.

That has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle, although Rovers are adamant Dunn is staying put - unless they receive a bid "near £20million".

He has netted six goals from midfield, including a brace against Arsenal and a penalty in the FA Cup clash with Barnsley, and it his level of consistency that sees him pip Cole.

COLE: 7/10. DUNN: 8/10

PACE

When outsiders look at Joe Cole, pace is probably the last thing they think of.

His dazzling skills catch the eye first, but the youngster has an impressive turn of speed which often sees him break the shackles in midfield to push forward.

Indeed Harry Redknapp, the former Hammers manager, once said: "The way he accelerates past three or four players is mind-blowing."

Dunn is no slouch either when it comes to pace, although he is more known for powerful running rather than raw speed.

It is that which gives Cole the edge.

COLE: 8/10. DUNN: 7/10.

STRENGTH

At just 5ft 9in and 11st, Cole is hardly built like a powerhouse.

But somewhere in the small frame comes a strength that belies his size.

When in control Cole is one of the hardest players to knock off the ball and, surprisingly for a so-called flair player, he is just as strong when defending where he wins more than his fair share of tackles.

Dunn is only a inch taller but weighs almost a stone and a half more.

His powerful bursts forward from midfield have become his trademark - and have brought about comparisons with Paul Gascoigne in his pomp - yet he is also a good tackler.

Dunn is probably slightly stronger in the tackle, but Cole evens that out with his power when in possession.

COLE: 7/10. DUNN: 7/10.

SKILL LEVEL

Cole is arguably the most skillful player in the Premiership.

His close control is second to none and his range of tricks is simply awesome.

He has the ability to thread the ball through the eye of a needle and must be a dream to play alongside.

Dunn does not have the same array of trickery in his armoury, generally relying on his power to beat players.

However, his close control is sound and his skills should not be underestimated.

COLE: 10/10. DUNN: 8/10.

GOAL THREAT

Unfortunately for Cole, the statistics speak for themselves when it comes to goalscoring.

While he boasted a phenomenal record at youth level, Cole has found the net less than 10 times in around 70 games for the Hammers.

Indeed, his profligacy in front of goal was evident on his England debut when he squandered a gilt-edged chance against Mexico.

His scoring record leaves him way behind Dunn's current mark of more than 25 goals in around 100 starts.

Admittedly Dunn has the advantage of being his side's penalty taker, but he also has a tremendous eye for goal from open play.

Stunning strikes for Rovers against Arsenal and West Ham plus his magnificent effort for the Under-21s against Holland mark him out as a fine finisher when the chance arrives and gives him the advantage over Cole.

COLE: 6/10. DUNN: 8/10.

TOTALS: COLE 45 DUNN 44.

SPORTINGLIFE.COM VERDICT:

Cole is the man in possession of a place in the full squad and - as such - must be the favourite to claim a World Cup ticket.

The only thing that lets the West Ham youngster down is his scoring record, which belies his tremendous potential.

His international debut was promising, albeit marred by missing a straightforward chance, and he has the ability to be a permanent fixture in the not too distant future.

But with Dunn snapping at his heels Cole knows he can not get complacent.

The Blackburn man has been an inspirational captain of the Under-21 side and has acquitted himself well against the best in the Premiership.

He has the handy knack of netting vital goals and is a genuine threat from midfield.

But it is Cole's unparalleled natural ability which sees him nick the verdict by a single point.

One thing is for sure though - with Dunn and Cole around, the future of England's midfield is in safe hands.