Due to the recent ‘events’ in London and elsewhere, the England v Holland friendly tomorrow evening has been postponed – we’d received a preview article from William Taylor and although the game’s off, William’s points are worth reading.
The emergence of Jack Wilshere on the international scene has cast doubt over the future of Frank Lampard’s England career.
Currently sitting on 86 caps, Lampard must surely have one eye on trying to reach the prestigious milestone of 100, most recently achieved by David Beckham.
However, Beckham is a case point. In the cut throat world of international football, you suddenly realise that it is all a young man’s game.
Once you hit 30, people begin to question you place in the team.
There is no doubt that Lampard has been an invaluable member of the national side, but like many other English players of his generation, the lack of silverware with the Three Lions will be a negative that hangs over his name.
Lampard’s immediate future is not of great concern, though. He is expected to feature in the friendly against Holland next Wednesday, and it would take a bold decision not to include him in the European Championships, having been heavily involved in qualification.
He and Steven Gerrard will be considered the stalwarts of the England midfield – although at 33 Lampard is two years older than his Liverpool compatriot.
Furthermore, many would argue that Gerrard’s impact on the national side has been greater than Lampard’s, in recent years.
It all points to Jack Wilshere ultimately succeeding the Chelsea player as the midfield partner to Gerrard in a quintessentially English 4-4-2 formation.
Lampard knows that there will be a time when he will simply have to accept that he can no longer be a part of the international picture.
It was a decision that Paul Scholes made a few seasons back, and it meant that the former Manchester United play-maker was able to extend his club career right up until the end of the season just gone.
“There will be a time when maybe for your own benefit and your own career as a player that you come out of it, like the Paul Scholeses of this world,†Lampard confessed.
“Whether that’s ever an option I don’t know but at the minute I want to give everything. It will be difficult but it’s great to see young players coming through, like Wilshere and McEachran.
“If I can be involved I’ll be happy. If not, I’ll be happy I was there.â€
Football betting pundits note how Lampard could perhaps view Euro 2012 as his swansong. He can have one last go at winning trophies with England and then call it a day.
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