Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole feels that Fabian Delph is England's number one midfielder.

The 25-year-old has become an integral part of the Villans' lineup over the past two seasons due to his excellent displays in the middle of the park.

Delph forced his way into Roy Hodgson's squad last year and has made five appearances for the Three Lions, but Cole feels that he is more than capable of earning a great deal more over the course of his career.

The 33-year-old told the club's official website: "Delphy's got so many attributes and so much quality. I firmly believe he'll go on to win 50 plus caps. I'm always telling him what a good player I think he is. He's a top player and he's developed all the way through the season.

"You have to remember he's 25 but as he's had such bad injuries for a young man, you've got to look at him as a 23-year-old in terms of his development because he missed a couple of years. I'd imagine he'll go up another couple of levels in the next few years and he'll shine bright in that England midfielder.

"I just believe he is top quality. I think he is the form English midfielder when you look at the season just gone. He has made himself the first name on the team sheet for England, in my opinion. He has still got some developing to do but he has played brilliantly this past season."

Delph is expected to feature for England in their friendly match against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.