WAGS dont distract us - Cole

Joe Cole has insisted the presence of wives and girlfriends in Germany has not been a distraction to England's hopes of World Cup glory.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has allowed his players to join up with their families at their hotel base in Baden-Baden on rare days off, normally the day after a game.

Several pundits, including former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, have indicated they would not allow the same freedom and relaxation if in charge of the national squad.

But Cole believes it has been a beneficial move for the squad in switching off from football for a few hours during a period of up to five weeks away from home.

"It's a long time to be away from home and to be stuck away in a hotel," said the Chelsea star. "For most of our lives, we are stuck in hotels.

"To give us a little break when we can go and see the family - just to talk about things you can't talk about with the other lads like who is looking after the dogs - is great. It's just normal things.

"It just gets your mind off it (the football). That's very important. Anyone who thinks it's a distraction is mad because when we are playing three games a week at home, you don't go and lock yourself away in a hotel room.