Frank Lampard has revealed that competing with youngsters for a place in England's first team drives him on each time he reports for national duty.
Frank Lampard might be an experienced midfielder but even he reckons that none of that matters with the amount of quality present within the youth talent in the Three Lions squad. The Chelsea midfielder however insists that all these things can only further motivate him as England prepare to host Switzerland this weekend.
“When I first came into the squad I looked at Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in the midfield and thought to myself ‘I’m after your shirt,’ and the young ones are now saying the same about me.
“That’s my challenge. It drives me on to stay in the side."
Lampard has had an injury-plagued season with Chelsea this season and while he did admit that he needs to constantly prove himself to Fabio Capello, Lampard cannot even imagine calling his time with the national team.
“It would matter to me if I wasn’t in the team, I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t. While I feel I can contribute I want to play. I want to fight these young players. My form is good again and Fabio Capello will always pick on merit.
"I can never imagine making the statement that I am retiring from England. When I was injured this season it was frustrating to watch from my armchair. Now I am back I will get the right hump if I'm not picked."
“When I first came into the squad I looked at Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in the midfield and thought to myself ‘I’m after your shirt,’ and the young ones are now saying the same about me.
“That’s my challenge. It drives me on to stay in the side."
Lampard has had an injury-plagued season with Chelsea this season and while he did admit that he needs to constantly prove himself to Fabio Capello, Lampard cannot even imagine calling his time with the national team.
“It would matter to me if I wasn’t in the team, I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t. While I feel I can contribute I want to play. I want to fight these young players. My form is good again and Fabio Capello will always pick on merit.
"I can never imagine making the statement that I am retiring from England. When I was injured this season it was frustrating to watch from my armchair. Now I am back I will get the right hump if I'm not picked."
