In a bit less than three weeks, England will kick off its UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign away to Switzerland. The Three Lions endured a disastrous adventure far away in Brazil as they exited the competition in the group stages – behind Costa Rica, Uruguay and Italy in Group D.
Now, Roy Hodgson will have to rally his selection ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers without one of England’s greatest midfielders, Frank Lampard. The 36-year-old made his senior national team debut in 1999 and went on to play in five major tournaments, achieving 106 caps and scoring 29 goals.
CONTROVERSY: Lampard’s ball crossed the line against Germany at the 2010 World Cup but the goal never counted. This incident pushed FIFA to accept goal-line technology ahead of Brazil 2014.
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He follows Steven Gerrard who announced his retirement from international football back in July. Commenting on his decision to hang up his boots for the Three Lions, the former Chelsea star explained:
“It has been a very tough decision for me to make. That is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup.
“I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.”
Frank Lampard stats & facts with England
40 - Frank Lampard has hit more World Cup shots without being credited with a goal than any other player (1966-2014). Denied.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2014
29 - Frank Lampard ends his @England career with 29 goals, just one fewer than Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer. Icons.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2014
Lampard added:
“Due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first and also to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football.”
Roy Hodgson is set to announce the new captain of England’s national football team on Thursday. Wayne Rooney could be tipped as the favourite to earn the armband.
Frank Lampard retires – Twitter reacts with mixed emotions
Why is Frank Lampard retiring from international football such a big deal, you could never tell he was on the pitch anyway.
— Kane (@LukeShawed) August 26, 2014
Been thinking about it and genuinely can’t remember a time when anyone thought Frank Lampard was the second best player in the world.
— Hans O. Lowe (@NoHeroesHere) August 26, 2014
Frank Lampard retires from international football. And I (4 years younger) will have to work for another 40 years.
— Stuart Philpott (@StuartyPhilpott) August 26, 2014
Frank Lampard following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard by hanging up his boots. Both great servants for #England (just not together)
— Robert (@PFC69) August 26, 2014
Frank Lampard retires from International football. A fine player, an outstanding finisher and a credit to the game of football."
— SIJUADE SAM OLA (@malawi424) August 26, 2014
Just read, "Manchester City midfielder, Frank Lampard retires......." One thing, I never thought I'd read.
— Rishikesh Das (@rishikeshdas) August 26, 2014
Not really bothered about Frank Lampard retiring from International Football.
— Jack Gillespie (@jackgillespie92) August 26, 2014
A new era for English football as @franklampard retires from International duties. Lamps never fully clicked w/the national side #CFC #LFC
— Joe The Sports Nut (@JMCopeland48) August 26, 2014
Frank Lampard has been a fantastic servant to England but it was the right time to retire.
— Matt Jackson (@Mattlj92) August 26, 2014
