Cole believes either Isreal or Macedonia will do Steve McClaren's side a favour when they take on Russia and Croatia respectively this evening.

That would leave England needing to overcome Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to finish in the top two and book a spot in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Cole, who helped England to a 1-0 win in last night's friendly against Austria, said: "I've got a great belief that we will be at the tournament.

"I don't know why. I just think something will happen on Saturday regarding Israel and Macedonia and then Wednesday night will become very important.

"I can feel it in my bones. I am very positive about it. We never do things the easy way. I know Wednesday will be important. I just know it.

"I believe we will go to the tournament, I believe we will win Wednesday night. I can just feel it."

England will have to try and make the most of any reprieve without Michael Owen, who will be out for a month with a thigh strain suffered in the first half of a game decided by Peter Crouch's headed goal.

Cole said: "It is a blow Michael being injured but Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith are very experienced players. We have missed big players in the past and coped so I am sure we will be all right.

"I think we have got enough in our squad. It will be a great achievement if we do go through now and there is always that carrot to fight for."

Crouch settled the game in Vienna with his 13th international goal a minute before half-time, heading home a corner from David Beckham.