Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard prefers competition, looking forward to youngsters in England squad
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard revealed he did not consider himself a permanent part of the England national team and said he was glad of the growing competition in the squad. The 33-year-old was recently left pit of the team by Italian manager Fabio Capello
in the match against Bulgaria, but started against Wales at the Wembley Stadium.
His exclusion from the team that faced Bulgaria meant that it was the first time in four years that Lampard had been left out of a competitive fixture for reason other than injury or suspension. However, the Blues midfielder did not let this dampen his spirits
and insisted he was still keen to play for his country whenever he was given the opportunity to do so.
Lampard, who is considered to be a un-droppable player in both the Chelsea and England squad, said he did not think he was any different from any other player of the squad. He said he expected time on the bench if his performance was not up to the mark,
which is why Capello chose not to play him in the 3-0 away win over Bulgaria.
Lampard said while speaking to reporters:
“People like to give off the idea that players are expecting to play every game and we've never been like that.
We're all professionals and driven, and our egos are only our desire to succeed individually and as a group, and we haven't quite done that for England.”
With young players coming into the senior England squad every day, Lampard said he did not consider them to be a threat. Instead he revealed he welcomed the competition and was excited by the arrival of the young players, who had proved to be highly effective
recently. There has been a host of midfielders who have been included by Capello in the current England squad.
The list of players includes many midfielders, such as Ashley Young, Stewart Downing, Jack Wilshere, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. These players have not only done well for club, but are slowly emerging as serious contenders for a place in the national
team. Lampard maintained he was proud of the progress made by the players and was looking forward to seeing them play for England.
He said:
“It's good to see the Ashley Youngs - I know he's not completely a young player, but he's really blossoming at the minute.
Stewart Downing, the same, on the other side.
Wilshere's injured now but, with the squad we've got now, there's some real attacking options, which in great to see.”
Lampard started against Wales, and like the rest of the England squad was not up to his best. Despite his side being clear favourites against the visitors, they managed a narrow 1-0 win. The Chelsea midfielder admitted his side could have done better, but
revealed the win had been an important one, it sees them go top of their group in the 2012 Euro qualifiers.
Lampard continued:
“We weren't at our best - it was a very important win.”