The Swede appeared to criticise Lampard in between their recent World Cup qualifying matches against Wales and Northern Ireland for struggling to find the kind of form that won him the media's player of the year award.

But while Lampard's form has come under much scrutiny following England's defeat to Northern Ireland in Belfast, the player says Eriksson's assessment of his current form is spot-on.

"I don't need a rest. I am looking forward to progressing this season and doing even better than last season," said the Chelsea midfielder.

"I didn't start so great last season and ended up footballer of the year. My manager here is very pleased with me and I spoke to the England manager when I went away with them and I am very pleased.

"I am playing for a team that has won every game in Chelsea. The England game wasn't great and I was disappointed with it.

"If I was on top form now I would be worried that I could sustain it all season, including the important part of the season and the World Cup itself, so hopefully I will keep building up and surpass what I did last year.

"When Sven said about me not being on top form I think he is right. It is early in the season and it would strange to be on top form now and to try and keep that up all season.

"I don't think Sven was criticising me, he made a fair statement. I think he could have made it about anyone in the team at this stage of the season because not too many are firing on all cylinders."

He added: "I don't feel I need to come back from England and prove myself. I am pleased we've won the last two games and I'm pleased with the team's start to the season. We've won every game so what more could you ask for?"