Lampard thinking of England

Frank Lampard aims to maintain his current form and realise his dream of playing at the 2014 World Cup, saying "no-one lives on past glories".

Last Updated: 10/02/13 at 08:29 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  World Cup 2014 Winner. Win Outright: England 20/1

Frank Lampard: Determined to stay involved with Three Lions

Frank Lampard: Determined to stay involved with Three Lions

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The Chelsea midfielder, who will be 35 in June, is savouring every appearance now for his country as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Lampard celebrated cap number 94 against Brazil by netting the winner as a substitute with his 27th goal for England in a 2-1 success at Wembley.

England head coach Roy Hodgson has hinted Lampard will be part of his plans for Brazil in 16 months time.

But Lampard is aware of the intense competition for places with the Steven Gerrard-Jack Wilshere combination looking impressive.

He said: "It's nice if (Hodgson) he says that. But I'm old enough and realistic enough to know that I have to take every squad as it comes.

"It's a big cliche but I have to make sure I try to keep this level up because if I drop there's plenty of competition in midfield for England now.

"No-one will get picked on past glories, they'll get picked on how they're doing now.

"I feel as good as I've ever done. As you get older and more mature, you alter things in your game, like picking the times to get forward.

"The game has slightly changed, club football particularly, and in between games it's how you look after yourself in terms of training and rest to save your legs.

"At the moment I'm playing pretty regularly every three or four days and I'm feeling pretty good."

Lampard added: "It would be an amazing place to play in Brazil. If I wanted to retire from England I would have done that.

"I'm going to keep playing and, if I feel I'm good enough and the manager picks me, I'll keep playing for England for as long as I can.

"Playing for England now feels even better. Your debut is obviously huge but there is a general appreciation of what it means to play for your country as you get a bit older.

"You know it doesn't go on forever and you become more aware of that. I don't take anything for granted so, every time I do get involved with England now, it feels absolutely brilliant."

Lampard reiterated his desire to remain at Chelsea - his contract runs out this summer - and there have been reports suggesting he will be offered a new deal after all.

But, if he does leave Stamford Bridge, Lampard is unsure whether he will need to remain in England to stay part of Hodgson's plans.

He said: "I've always said I'd like to stay at Chelsea. That's always been clear. I don't know what's happening next year. That is all pretty clear as well. I'm just playing at the minute.

Asked if his next club decision would affect his England place, he said: "You'll have to ask the manager that one. Whatever level of football I'm playing I want to do my best. Then it's the manager's decision."

Lampard is only six appearances away from emulating Gerrard and Ashley Cole in the current side and reaching 100 caps, but he insists he is not focusing on individual milestones.

He said: "Of course it would be a great honour to get 100 caps and score 30 goals for England.

"But everyone keeps asking me about that and I don't want to talk it about because individual targets are not exactly what it's all about.

"I'd be very happy if it ended here but hopefully it won't and I'll keep battling away to try to contribute.

"If the goals come that take me to any landmarks then great, but I don't want to look like I'm just playing for individual targets because I'm not. I'm playing for the team."

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