Not so long ago the two players were considered too similar in style to be accommodated in the same side, but since Sven-Goran Eriksson took the plunge and included them both in the build-up to Euro 2004, they have forged a real partnership.

But Lampard admits that it takes constant work in training to ensure they do not go ‘bombing on’ at the same time.

As he said on Saturday: "We’re similar players who can both attack and defend, but the most important thing is to make sure we find the right time to do it, so that if one goes forward, the other holds back. I think we’ve done that pretty well so far.

"We’ve worked on it a lot in training, day in, day out since the squad got together three weeks ago. At times the manager and Steve McClaren have had to stop us trying to do the same thing, and it’s coming together well."

And Lampard is not worried about whether England play with a flat four in midfield or diamond – in fact he’s tired of the whole debate. "It’s getting boring, to be honest," he said.

"You can talk about systems as much as you like, but at the end of the day it is all about the players and what they do.

"If you are going to win a tournament like this then you’ve all got to click, and there have been times when we’ve done that. Hopefully it will get better as the tournament goes on."

There is even the possibility that Lampard and Gerrard could be club-mates by the time the Premiership season starts, with Chelsea’s interest in the Liverpool player well known, and Lampard would relish the chance to link up at club level.

He said "Steve is a fantastic player and Chelsea are in for a lot of fantastic players. He is one we are in for and anyone who can strengthen the team and the squad will be welcome."

England need only a draw against Croatia on Monday to confirm a place in the quarter-finals, but Lampard says that the side will go for the win. And he hit back at criticism that England were poor at times against Switzerland.

"All the leading teams have had dodgy patches in games and we’re no different.

"No-one has been fantastic for 90 minutes in any game yet."

Lampard admits the players are desperate to get through to the knock-out stages for the fans, whose support has been overwhelming.

"It was a real eye-opener to run out against France and see 50,000 England fans in a stadium holding 60,000. The world is watching as well, so you realise the pressure that is on us.

"We are aware of the reactions at home as well, and it makes us really proud."

It is Lampard’s 26th birthday on Sunday but he will put the celebrations on ice – until Monday night. "Just to win would be the best birthday present I could have," he said.


Click on the links below to hear the press conference in full.

19 June 2004
Frank Lampard Press Conference - AUDIO