Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has been confirmed as his country’s vice-captain for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
England manager Roy Hodgson announced on Sunday that Lampard would continue his role as captain cover to Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard:
“Frank’s been the vice-captain all along in Steven [Gerrard]’s absences, which I think has been two, he’s stepped up quite brilliantly.”
“I’ve always thought that he was going to be a key member of this 23 because of his experience and what he brings to the team apart from pure footballing ability,” Hodgson added.
“He brings a lot of other things to us in terms of his leadership qualities and characteristics.”
The Chelsea legend has had the role since Steven Gerrard took over from John Terry as England’s captain, but with questions over whether Lampard would even be in the squad, it was unknown how important he would be to the young England side.
However, Hodgson has clearly sent a vote of confidence to Lampard, and Chelsea fans who want to see their all-time top scorer play an important role, that he has a crucial part to play in what will surely be his final hoorah for the national side.
The midfielder has 103 caps for the England side, and only one world cup goal (yes, I’m including that injustice vs Germany in that goal count). He will surely be looking to add to (or start) his World Cup tally.
The latest of his six captaining performances came last November at Wembley in a friendly against Chile.
The 35-year-old is Chelsea’s all time top scorer, and the 5th highest in Premier League history and by far and away the highest scoring midfielder.
Lampard will surely have an important leadership role to play in what is a young England squad, full of roar talent including the likes of Luke Shaw of Southampton.
