3 September 2005
TheFA.com Interview: Frank Lampard

In an exclusive interview with TheFA.com, Frank Lampard looks back at the vital World Cup qualification win over Wales.


Frank Lampard believes England could have recorded a healthier win over Wales in their World Cup Qualifier had they grabbed a goal in the first half.

The Three Lions were on top before the break but could not find a way past Danny Coyne, with Wayne Rooney having one close range shot well saved and Joe Cole heading wide with another golden chance.

Cole put that disappointment behind him to net the winner on 53 minutes and his Chelsea team-mate Lampard feels if the goal had come earlier the result could have been even better.

"We could have been a few goals up at half time. If we had got the goal in the first half I think it might have been a bit more of a convincing win. But we remained patient and got the breakthrough in the end," he said.

"It was good for Joe to get the goal because I know he was disappointed with his header in the first half but it is always nice to see players pick themselves up and get in there to try again.

"I think it took a bit of a deflection but that’s the kind of thing you deserve if you have a go."

Lampard was a key member of the new-look five-man midfield with David Beckham sitting deep while Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips took up the wide positions.

And the Chelsea man felt the system worked well as the winner came from link-up play between the two wingers, while Beckham displayed his trade-mark qualities.

"With Beckham picking the ball up deep it gave him a chance to spray his passes around and pick up the other players," Lampard added.

"I think Shaun got in behind Wales more and more as the game went on and of course he set up the goal for Joe who had come in from the other side.

"The most important thing was to get the right result and we will be looking for exactly the same against Northern Ireland which is another important match."