Lampard urges Chelsea starlets to ‘go through the gears’ with England

Will Ford

Frank Lampard is delighted by the progress of his young Chelsea players and says they deserve their call-ups to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.

Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have all been included in the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers away to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.

Lampard believes Abraham has the right mindset to deal with the added pressure of representing his country.

“Very happy. I think it is well deserved, scoring goals regulary. His form is really good. Natural progression. Delighted for him. He is a proud lad and proud to get a call up.

“He can score at international level, I don’t want to put too much pressure on his shoulders.

“He is still a young player. Naturally he has all the attributes to be successful, but it is another step for him.

“He has the attitude to take that challenge He will see there are great strikers in that squad.”

The Chelsea boss also said he was pleased for centre-back Fikayo Tomori who has earned his first internationall call-up after drawing praise from Rio Ferdinand for his midweek Champions League performance.

Lampard said: “I am delighted for Tomori. Mason and Tammy have taken headlines, but Tomori, having seen him turn up at Derby, to see him play the full season last year and then to come here and some people might doubt him.

“He has shown great qualities and he has been a dream day in and day out.

“It’s up to Gareth and up to Tomori to go through the gears. There is a next challenge and it is up to him now. Gareth has shown trust, now it is in Fikayo’s hands.

“I haven’t spoken to them today. I was aware of the call up, they are very smiley and happy and I might have to remind them that on Sunday they have to perform for us.”