Macedonia 0-1 England
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 6 September 2006
Gradski, Skopje
Full Match Statistics - Click Here
Photo Gallery - Click Here

Frank Lampard is tipping his Chelsea teammate Joe Cole to push hard for a recall for England after reports he is close to full fitness.

Chelsea star Cole has been one of the most consistent players for the Three Lions over the last year, but is currently out with a knee injured suffered on a pre-season tour with Chelsea in the United States.

Cole has been back in training this week and could be in contention to make a return to action against Charlton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. And he is certain to target a return to the England squad soon after.

Lampard said: "Joe was fantastic for Chelsea and England last season. It's a good decision to have to make with competition for that spot on the left but the way Joe played last season, I believe he will be pushing very hard for a place because he can always make things happen."

Meanwhile, Lampard has urged critics to realise there is a lot more to his game than scoring goals.

The Chelsea star is lethal from midifield but has grown frustrated that whenever he doesn't hit the net he seems to be criticsed. He worked tirelessly in Skopje to help England to victory and not all his work is done in the penalty area.

He said: "I don't want to sound precious or anything like that but perhaps people should stop judging me just on the goals I score.

"At the end of the day I'm in there to be part of the team and if the game goes well and I'm not scoring or even directly making goals, that's OK as long as I'm contributing in other ways.

"I thought I did that against Andorra. My job was to keep the ball moving and I thought I did that. I could have played for myself and kept getting in the box but that wouldn't have meant I was doing the right thing for the team.

"You have to take the rough with the smooth in football. In the past I was getting a lot of praise and there were times when people were saying I was fantastic when I didn't think I had played particularly well. Now it's going the other way but I'm big enough to take that."