Germany were the better side - Cole

England midfielder Joe Cole has said the squad needs to address "a lot of issues" following their disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa.

England were knocked out after losing 4-1 to Germany in the last 16 and only won one game, against Slovenia.

But Cole stated the warning signs were there since the squad joined up after the end of the Premier League season.

"We weren't good enough from the start of the friendlies, the six games we've played," the 28-year-old said.

"There are a lot of issues. We have such high expectations. We want to win the tournament and we didn't do that.

"We do feel we have let ourselves down, the manager and the fans. I don't want to go into tactics. I am just disappointed and apologise to the England fans who travelled out here."

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The manner of England's World Cup performances - they also drew with the United States and Algeria - have raised several questions as to why some of the players have failed to replicate the form they show at club level.

Alan Shearer is among the former England stars who have questioned the system England boss Fabio Capello has used, suggesting Wayne Rooney should have been deployed as a lone striker, whereas others have pointed to the fitness of the players who have looked tired.

Following the 0-0 draw with Algeria former England captain John Terry also hinted at unrest in the camp, saying the team planned to clear the air with the manager.

But that move drew little support from players with team-mate Frank Lampard later saying there was no rift in the squad. Capello also said it was a "big mistake" for Chelsea captain Terry to speak out like he did at an official news conference.

Lampard effort not given

Terry, 29, was stripped of the England captaincy in February after revelations about his private life which alleged he had an affair with the girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Bridge subsequently decided to make himself unavailable for the World Cup and critics pondered how it might affect the mood in the England squad with some players still close to the Manchester City left-back.

Since Terry was replaced by Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand as captain, England have beaten Egypt 3-1 in a friendly, but were unconvincing in the build-up to the World Cup despite wins over Mexico and Japan.

England's countdown to the tournament was also disrupted when Ferdinand injured his knee during their first training session on arrival in South Africa.

The United skipper was replaced by vice-captain Steven Gerrard, who led the team at the World Cup.

"We wanted to do well and sometimes we just weren't good enough, plain and simple," added Cole, who was recently released by Chelsea.

"It is hard to say we were second best. No-one likes doing it but that's life unfortunately. We came up against a team who were better than us."

When asked whether Capello should stay as coach, Cole replied: "I think that's a question for the manager.

"He is a great manager and we have got great players. There are issues we need to address but we've all got to stick together."

Highlights - Germany 4-1 England

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