Questions over the Lampard and Gerrard partnership in the centre of midfield had often raised several eyebrows, and after a goalless World Cup ended with a missed penalty in the quarterfinals, initial skepticism over Lampard’s importance to the national side intensified, and the midfielder appears to have struggled somewhat to convince those skeptics that he is worthy of a place in the England set up ever since.
Gerrard was the best of a bad bunch in the 2010 World Cup, as Lampard was remembered for only a disallowed goal in England’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of Germany. So far this year Lampard has made just 4 appearances for England, his lowest since 2003, and even consistency at club level may not prove to be enough to regain a place in the national side.
In 87 international appearances, Frank Lampard has 22 goals to his name. Considering his record at club level this figure seems hardly prolific, but his contribution to the national side cannot be brought into question. Lampard has shown consistency at international level, and has often proved to be England’s best player as he was in both Euro 2004 and in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. England’s disastrous campaign in South Africa left many fans urging for a development of ‘youth’ in the national side, and while the likes of Wilshere, Cleverley, Smalling among others have certainly shown the potential to be the future of the English football, it seems Capello may have dismissed Lampard’s role in the national side a little too readily.
If Lampard can replicate the kind of form he has shown in previous seasons at Chelsea, then Capello may be called up on the ‘importance’ that he has claimed the midfielder to hold in the England set-up. However, while England are winning, and both Parker and Barry are fit (and on ‘top-form’), both Capello and England fans are likely to be reluctant to change. When the likes of Gerrard and Wilshere return to full-fitness the Italian may be faced with a more troubling dilemma than he is now, but with just two qualifiers remaining for the 2012 European Championships, Frank Lampard must surely still have role to play in ensuring England can top Group G.
Written by Thomas Kenny for FootballFancast.com. Time for Lamps to move on? Is his omission from the England XI not a little hasty by Capello? Let me know your thoughts either below or @sixthofficial on Twitter!
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Frank had a setback as a result of the operation. Sh not be stressed so much so can be replaced and be placed on Chelsea payroll! He deserves that, may be next season or the other, never think of losing such a wonderful player.