Supporters turned on the 28-year-old when he made a mistake against Kazakhstan last October and the Chelsea full-back has endured a mixed relationship with followers of the national team.

Cole is hoping for an FA Cup win with his club before travelling to Almaty to face the Kazaks again, then he returns to Wembley for the clash against Andorra and is hoping for a positive reaction from fans.

"It was difficult when they booed. I'm a normal personal, I'm just like you and just like everyone else - I have feelings and thoughts. So of course it hurt, I'm not going to sit here and say it didn't," said the defender, who was speaking on a visit to Raleigh School in Surrey on behalf of England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society.

"But you have to get on with it. It happens in football, you are loved one day and hated the next. You have to get on with it and that's what I've done. I've played the best I have for Chelsea so far. The Chelsea fans are happy and I'd like the same with my country.

"To be honest I don't think I've played bad for England, I've certainly not been as bad as some people say. That criticism has been hard to take.

"I don't think I've let the country down too many times. Of course I had that blip where I gave the ball away but a lot of players have done that, you can't play well every game in football and not make one mistake.

"I'm in a position where if I do give the ball away it's ruthless and you can get punished. I'm learning that now. But if I look over my career I've played 72 games and I think to say I've done well for my country."

Winning over supporters will be made easier if Cole can reproduce the form he has shown this season at Stamford Bridge.

He feels he has finally overcome a long-standing ankle complaint, which has contributed to his consistency.

"I think so far it's probably been my best season since I went to Chelsea," he said.

"I've got through it without injuries and that was key.

"I came to the club with a bad ankle and it was always holding me back. But now I've got that sorted out and I feel fit and very fresh. So now I have to find my Chelsea form for England."

Cole is confident his form means he will eventually be a fans' favourite.

He said: "I had a disappointing last year there but I think now I've found my feet. I feel comfortable in the team and when I play I'm just going out to enjoy it.

"I go out and fight for the team and want to win and that's what fans want to see. I've always given my heart and soul to every team I've played for and every game I go into I give everything.

"There's nothing too much more I can do, just play well for Chelsea and England and hopefully it will turn around."