Joe Cole's greatest XI: Former West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool & England man picks his team

Joe Cole has played with some of the greatest players football has ever seen.

The midfielder started his career at West Ham before enjoying a successful seven seasons at Chelsea. He also played for Liverpool, Lille, West Ham, Aston Villa, Coventry and Tampa Bay Rowdies during an impressive club career.

He also played 56 times for England, representing them – and scoring – in major tournaments.

He was one of the most naturally gifted players England have ever had. Cole’s incredible technical ability on the ball made up for the fact he was just 5 ft 7 in.

But who are the best players he’s played with during his 20-year career?

Well, FourFourTwo asked him to name the best XI of players he’s played with at club and national level and explain his picks.

Let’s check out his XI and his reasons for picking each player.

Cole says: “I remember watching Euro 96 as a kid, and Seaman was a hero of mine. Getting to come through the ranks and actually play with him for England was an honour. He was a terrific goalkeeper: great in the air and an excellent shot-stopper. A national treasure.”

Interestingly, Cole has gone for Seaman over Petr Cech – who he played with on 166 occasions at Chelsea and won multiple trophies with. A big surprise.

Cole says: “Paulo is one of the most underrated players in Chelsea history – he was so secure in and out of possession. He never gave a pass away and could get stuck in as well. He had lovely hair, too – he looked like a movie star! He still does, come to think of it…”

Not too many surprises here as Ferreira was a brilliant right-back at Chelsea for many years. He got the nod ahead of the likes of Glen Johnson and Gary Neville.

Cole says: “On the right I’d have Rio. He and John Terry were