FOR some fans, the highlight of England's trip to Bulgaria was not a 3-0 win — it was the sight of Frank Lampard sitting on the subs' bench.
The game in Sofia was the first time in four years Lamps had failed to earn a starting place for a competitive England international.
Those slightly strange people who have gained pleasure in jeering the Chelsea midfielder, both at Wembley and Premier League grounds, will have been dancing in their boozers on Friday when Scott Parker and Gareth Barry were announced as the central midfield pairing.
Yet England captain John Terry yesterday launched a passionate defence of his Stamford Bridge and international team-mate ahead of tonight's Wembley clash with W
ales.
Terry is adamant Lampard, who was restricted to a 10-minute cameo against Bulgaria, still has a future with his country and would never walk away.
The Three Lions skipper said: "Frank will bounce back — 100 per cent. If any fans want to write him off, they do it at their own peril.
"He'll be back in this England side for sure.
"It's a bit of a lack of respect towards Frank, as well, given what he's given to the country.
"I'm privileged to train with him nearly every day and he's one of the best midfielders England have ever seen.
"He'll work as hard as he always does for Chelsea. I certainly hope he won't walk away.
"I've not spoken to him about that. I don't think that's in his mind and it's not in the forefront of mine to have that discussion.
"Frank is probably one of the best professionals I've come across."
The game in Sofia was the first time in four years Lamps had failed to earn a starting place for a competitive England international.
Yet England captain John Terry yesterday launched a passionate defence of his Stamford Bridge and international team-mate ahead of tonight's Wembley clash with W
ales.
Terry is adamant Lampard, who was restricted to a 10-minute cameo against Bulgaria, still has a future with his country and would never walk away.
The Three Lions skipper said: "Frank will bounce back — 100 per cent. If any fans want to write him off, they do it at their own peril.
"He'll be back in this England side for sure.
"It's a bit of a lack of respect towards Frank, as well, given what he's given to the country.
"I'm privileged to train with him nearly every day and he's one of the best midfielders England have ever seen.
"He'll work as hard as he always does for Chelsea. I certainly hope he won't walk away.
"I've not spoken to him about that. I don't think that's in his mind and it's not in the forefront of mine to have that discussion.
"Frank is probably one of the best professionals I've come across."
No comments:
Post a Comment