Carlton Cole is not the new me says Martin Peters

He said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard Geoff say Carlton was the new me. He's a good player but for a start he plays up front, whereas I was a midfielder, and he's come into the squad a lot sooner than I did before the 66 tournament. Wait til I see Geoff, I'll be having a word with him about that."

Peters, now 65, was just 22 when he made his international bow against Yugoslavia in May 1966.

He starred for West Ham the previous year when they won the European Cup Winners Cup against Munich 1860 at Wembley, and that experience stood him in good stead when he played alongside Bobby Moore and Hurst in the 4-2 win.

He said: "There was no extra pressure when I got into the England set up, I was just happy to be in the squad. When Sir Alf said I was in the final squad I was overjoyed. But Geoff and I weren't in the team for the first game of the tournament. Our chance came later.

"Even though we only had eight caps each when it came to the final against West Germany, we did have a lot of experience of playing against continental sides with West Ham, so we weren't overawed by it all."

England have qualified in style for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa, with eight wins out of eight in their group. Peters is cautiously optimistic about their chances of claiming the ultimate prize.

He said: "They do have a chance because they have produced some great performances, especially the 4-1 win in Croatia. Fabio Capello is definitely the man for the job. He reminds me of Sir Alf Ramsey. He respects the players but they do what they are told.

"Nobody would argue with Alf and I think Capello is the same. And he has got the WAGs out of the way so the players can dedicate themselves to the game.

"But I do think they need to sort out who to play up front with Rooney. Jermain Defoe has been scoring plenty of goals but I'm not sure about playing two relatively small forwards together. Maybe Carlton Cole will be the answer.

"I also don't think David James will be around next summer and the goalkeeping position is a worry. We have to be confident about the keeper. Rob Green has done reasonably well but I do wonder where the next Gordon Banks or Peter Shilton is.

"I'm glad to see so many players, like Lampard, Defoe and Johnson, with West Ham links in the squad. As in 1966 it shows how important West Ham are to the international side."

Peters, who won 67 caps and was described by Ramsey as being "ten years ahead of his time" also played for Tottenham, Norwich and Sheffield United before hanging up his boots in 1981.

A brief stint managing the Blades was not successful and he went on to pursue a business career.

But his knowledge of the game will be passed on to some lucky footballers at the David Beckham Academy in December.

Peters is a supporter of the Sue Ryder Care International Cup, held at the football school in North Greenwich on December 2 and will be at the event to impart his knowledge to the players.

He said: "I was involved in the tournament last year and I'm delighted to be involved again this year. It was a very enjoyable evening.

"I didn't play, as my charity playing days ended when I was 53 after my wife said my legs were too skinny to keep running around, but I'm only too pleased to lend my support to the tournament.

"I'll be giving a bit of coaching, though not too much, and just chatting to people there.

"There will be a team of ex-players taking part, including the likes of Kerry Dixon, Ray Parlour and Bob Bolder (pictured) and the winners of the tournament will play them in a final game.

"It was a great event last year and the quality of the football was actually really good."

Pick up next week's copy of The Wharf to read more of Martin's thoughts, including his take on the animosity between West Ham and Tottenham supporters.

The Sue Ryder Care International Cup is a charity five-a-side tournament at the David Beckham Academy on December 2.

To enter contact Louise Newton on 020 7492 0746 or email louise.newton@suerydercare.org.