Frank Lampard
Thursday, 24 January, 2008
After a barren spell of nine England matches without a goal he was on target against Germany in August.
Frank Lampard
DOB 20.06.78
2007 Caps 9, goals 2
Career Caps 60, goals 11
Chelsea
Frank Lampard's England chances were hampered by injury in 2007, but the Chelsea man underlined his international class with a man-of-the match performance against Croatia at Wembley.
The Chelsea man, who had fought to reclaim his place in the side after being left out in favour of Gareth Barry, was coolness personified as he slotted home a second-half penalty to give England hope.
Despite England's defeat, Lampard's performance illuminated an otherwise grey evening as he reconfirmed his status on the international stage with an impressive midfield display.
It capped an encouraging return for Lampard who had only won back his place in the side a few days earlier in the 1-0 win over Austria.
The Chelsea star also scored the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat by Germany in August as he demonstrated his unquenchable thirst for getting forward from midfield.
With nine goals so far this season, Lampard will be hoping to be back in action sooner rather than later from his latest injury, especially with England's first friendly game under new head coach Fabio Capello coming up on 6 February, against Switzerland, at Wembley.
"When you play for England and want to be a big player you have to be prepared to experience the other side and keep your mouth shut and play well. The only real answer you can give is on the pitch. I have improved over the years and I am not going to settle for anything less. I hope I can go on to another level and will always try to improve for as long as I can." Frank Lampard
"Frank has been fantastic. He is the backbone of Chelsea. He has got his England chance because of how well he has played for Chelsea and he deserves it. He has been superb for club and country, but he has worked hard. He is desperate to play for his country. Frank is very proud and determined and he has reaped the rewards." John Terry