Wembley Stadium

Next Game

England v Rep Ireland

Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 20:00

International Match

Last Game

Montenegro 1 - 1 England

Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 20:00

World Cup Euro Qual Group H

England factor in Frank's future

Frank Lampard has confirmed he will speak to England boss Roy Hodgson if his next career move threatened to take him outside Europe.

Last Updated: 19/03/13 at 23:19 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Frank Lampard's Next Club. Click here to bet.

Lampard: Vows to speak to Hodgson

Lampard: Vows to speak to Hodgson

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

Despite his sensational form for Chelsea, which includes netting his 200th goal for the Stamford Bridge outfit against West Ham on Sunday, still there has been no offer of a contract extension.

It leaves Lampard's future beyond the end of this season in doubt.

Clearly, the 34-year-old will not be short of options.

Major League Soccer has been mentioned as one possible destination, whilst lucrative contracts are also available in the oil-rich Gulf States, in addition to the Far East.

Yet all those destinations would take Lampard away from England, and into a football arena of dubious quality.

The midfielder insists it is not an issue he has given much thought to at present.

However, when he does, Lampard intends to consult Hodgson.

"Yes (England will be a big part of his decision). Whilst I am available for England, I want to do my best to try and put myself in the squad," he said.

"If I am playing and in good enough form, I'd like to be included if we qualify for Brazil.

"That doesn't rule anything out. I've seen players get picked before playing all over the world.

"If there's ever a time, whenever it is, where there is an option of going outside Europe, I am sure Roy and I would have the conversation, whether it's before or during."

Lampard certainly does not view that conversation as being a difficult one, if and when it happens.

For whilst questions might be asked over the manner in which Hodgson dealt with Rio Ferdinand's botched call-up given the Manchester United man was evidently not fit enough to accept, Lampard has found communication under the 65-year-old to be a smooth process.

"Roy has been a breath of fresh air," he said.

"I know players will always wax lyrical about their current managers, that's just the nature of the beast. You can't expect them to say negatives.

"But I'm being honest talking about Roy. He's a gentleman, first and foremost.

"From the minute I first sat down with him at Chelsea when he came to meet a few of us there before the Euros, I found him a very personable bloke, very dedicated on the training ground, very driven, very pushed, very easy and friendly to talk to - in a good way.

"I have complete respect for him. With me, his communication has been fantastic."

And one of the things Hodgson has made clear to Lampard in their various chats is that age will not be the determining factor in team selection.

"It was nice to hear," said Lampard.

"That's how I'd see it as a manager. If players are performing for you, their age shouldn't really matter.

"As long as they're good influences in the dressing room and help the players around them, older players can bring their experience to the table.

"Look at Alex Ferguson, probably the best manager of all time, playing Ryan Giggs at 40 years of age against Real Madrid when we all thought he might not.

"If you've got experience and you're good enough, managers will give you that opportunity."

And that is handy for Lampard given he wants those additional six appearances that would allow him to join England's exclusive '100 club'.

"One hundred caps and is a fantastic achievement," he said.

"I watched Steven and Ashley do it and grew up on tales of Bobby Moore from my Dad.

"So, if I could get into the bracket of 100 caps, I'd be very proud."

@fictionalemu yep, sure can be. Sometimes an overly close and friendly manager (in sport or the office for that matter) can lead to problems, eventually causing a lack of respect for the coach/manager. Sure this is more with younger athletes but I have seen it happen with older, albeit with the more childish, members of teams.
- buckalori

Bet with SkyBet  Frank Lampard's Next Club. Click here to bet.

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Europa winners to land CL spot

UEFA sources have confirmed that from 2015 the winners of the Europa League will qualify for the following season's Champions League.

Wilshere warning for Arsenal

Jack Wilshere says Arsenal can't afford another slow start next season if they are to mount a sustained challenge for the Premier League title.

Titus Bramble confirms exit from Sunderland via his personal Twitter account

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has confirmed his exit from the club after three years at the Stadium of Light.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved