The Chelsea player was taken to one side for a private chat by Eriksson after the squad’s warm-up routine before taking his place alongside David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

The England boss may try out other routines during the remainder of the build-up to the Old Trafford showdown, with Newcastle’s Kieron Dyer possibly suited to the position.

But it appears Cole has moved to the top of the pecking order after his impressive form at club level in recent months.

Eriksson made a point of praising the maturity and discipline of Cole at a press conference on Monday and could be ready to start the former West Ham playmaker in competitive games.

It is 16 months since Cole last started for Engand, in the friendly international with Denmark at Old Trafford when he was on target in a 3-2 reversal.

Dyer was able to resume training after recovering from a foot injury, and skipper Beckham returned after a back scan yesterday revealed no major damage.

Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey also played a full part in the session after they missed out yesterday following appearances for their respective clubs on Sunday.

Striker Andrew Johnson has returned to Crystal Palace after having a scan on his ankle injury and the only other absentee from training was Jermaine Jenas who had been allowed to attend a family funeral.