Warnock was named in the last squad but Pardew rates Konchesky as Cole’s nearest rival.

“I think he is up there with Ashley Cole – and Ashley Cole is a terrific player,” said Pardew, who – like the watching England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson - was able to compare the duo during last week’s 0-0 draw against the Gunners at Upton Park.

“Cole deserves his place in the England team on his performances for Arsenal over the last four or five years but Paul is without a shadow of a doubt the most able replacement.

“In the game last week you would have to say Konchesky probably just edged it.”

The 24-year-old won his only England cap as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Australia at Upton Park in February 2003 but his career then went stale at Charlton.

He was often used on the left of midfield, against his wishes, and eventually fell out of favour with boss Alan Curbishley.

That paved the way for his summer move to West Ham, where he played as an academy trainee until the age of 11, and led to a resurgence in his form.

“He deserves an England call. He has been absolutely terrific. Sometimes players need a move and a new manager to put faith in them and say ‘You are the number one’,” Pardew explained.

“He is frustrated he has not progressed quicker but when you look at his record he has played over 250 Premiership games and that is a lot for someone of his age.

“His best years are ahead of him and I am sure they will be at West Ham.”

Konchesky’s committed style and powerful shot has had him likened to Upton Park hero Julian Dicks and Pardew hopes his left-back will turn out to be a similar player.

“If Paul has the career that Julian had here, we will be overjoyed,” he said. “I was a big admirer of Julian Dicks and I can see similarities for sure.”

Regaining his England place was one of Konchesky’s key objectives when he signed for West Ham

“If I can play well regularly for West Ham then it is my ambition to get back into the England squad,” he said.

Pardew’s recruitment policy was to bring in young players with the potential to reach the highest level and he has challenged Marlon Harewood, his infuriatingly inconsistent striker, to aim for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

“He can get better. If he has a great season, who knows what can happen in terms of England?” said Pardew.

“He is by no means there at the moment but I want to push him. I told him ‘Aim for the top, try and get into the England team’.”

West Ham hope another of their young players with potential, Nigel Reo-Coker, will agree a new deal in the coming days.

“It will be a massive fillip for the club,” said Pardew.

“We want to make a statement of intent to him of my faith and the club’s faith.”