England defender Ashley Cole talked about his pride as he prepares to earn his 100th cap for England when they take on Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday.

Cole, 32, also explained how a brief chat with former Arsenal player David Rocastle, who died from cancer in 2001, inspired him to be a player as a child.

"I am proud, privileged and overwhelmed by how many times I have done it," said Chelsea full-back Cole.

"After he spoke to me for those five minutes, it was all I wanted to be."

Cole began his career at Arsenal before moving to Chelsea in 2006.

Analysis

"England's fans have the opportunity to reflect on the consistency and quality Cole has delivered for them when he reaches his landmark at Wembley. And he may even get the credit his football achievements thoroughly deserve."

"I supported Arsenal at the time and he was someone I wanted to be like," said Cole about his chat with ex-Gunners midfielder Rocastle.

"Now I look back and think what a great career I have had but I will never forget speaking to him."

Cole made his national team debut in March 2001 against Albania and will become the seventh England player to reach a century of appearances when he lines up against Brazil.

"Ashley will definitely start the game," said England manager Roy Hodgson.

"I'll have to see what to do with [fellow left-back] Leighton [Baines], who has been doing very well."

There were suggestions Cole may lead the team out against Brazil instead of regular captain Gerrard but Hodgson ruled out such a prospect.

Gerrard won his 100th cap in a friendly against Sweden last November and he and Cole will both get their caps at Wembley.

"I don't see any reason why the captain should let anyone else lead the team out," explained Hodgson.

"We think it's a great way to start 2013 and our 150th anniversary, and we'll be doing our best to play well and get a good result"

England boss Roy Hodgson

"Ashley does his talking and work on the field and I don't think he's ever pushed himself forward during his 100 appearances as a potential captain of the team.

"I think he's just very happy to be a key player in the team so I'm pretty certain he won't be trying to rip the armband off Steven. If he does I might have to step in."

The game against Brazil will be a warm-up for England's two World Cup qualifiers in March against San Marino and Montenegro.

"Experiment is not a word I really want to use. We're taking the game too seriously for me to even entertain the word experiment, but on the other hand it is a friendly match," said Hodgson.

"For us it's another important step along the way.

"We think it's a great way to start 2013 and our 150th anniversary, and we'll be doing our best to play well and get a good result, but finally for me it's a question of knowing by March what our best team is and what players play best together."

Hodgson has had to contend with strikers Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge pulling out of his squad because of ankle and thigh injuries respectively, while midfielder Michael Carrick (hip) is also missing.

The withdrawal of the forward pair could prompt the England boss to use Theo Walcott up front as opposed to on the wing.

"We're disappointed to lose the three players who were originally selected, but luckily we've still got plenty left and everyone trained on Tuesday so we're all set for the game."