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Frank is back

  • Sunday, 03 February, 2013
  • England's Frank Lampard and Manager Roy Hodgson.

Roy Hodgson backs Frank Lampard to reach 100 caps for England after return to form

By Nicholas Veevers

Frank Lampard was always going to reclaim his place in the England squad, according to Manager Roy Hodgson.

The Chelsea midfielder missed the trip to Sweden in November due to a niggling injury problem and was absent from the squad for EURO 2012 in the summer.

But the 34-year-old is now back in action for his club and Hodgson has been impressed with Lampard’s form at Stamford Bridge since his return.

Hodgson said: “He has been doing extremely well since he got back from injury. We always believed he belongs in the squad.

“We missed him during the Euros and a couple of games since.

“When he has not been with us, it has been because he has not been available.”

Lampard’s Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole looks set to get his 100th cap when England face Brazil next Wednesday and captain Steven Gerrard made it to a ton in Sweden last November.

And with Lampard currently having 93 caps to his name, Hodgson feels a century of England appearances is a realistic target for the former West Ham United man.

He added: “There’s no reason why not. He comes into the same category.

“He has been a consistent performer for club and country. He has a great footballing brain.

“If he stays as fit as he is at the moment - his levels have not deteriorated for many years - what is to stop him playing those remaining seven matches.”

Lampard and the England squad meet up at St. George's Park on Sunday afternoon for The FA England Awards and training on Monday.


What Do You Think?

  • The stats speak for themselves.. there is no question Frank Lampard IS the greatest goal scoring midfielder in the Premier League's history... and probably up there among the greats in the years before that. The absurd situation that Chelsea are willing to let him go should not detract that he merits reaching 100 caps. As long as he keeps playing at a high level.. and I hope that he does should allow him to continue playing for his country. He has a lot to offer not just with his own professionalism and performances but also to younger players.By Neil (3 months ago)