Chelsea FC: Frank Lampard Named Vice-Captain Of England World Cup Squad
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC midfielder Frank Lampard has been named vice-captain of the England World Cup squad by manager Roy Hodgson and Steven Gerrard was named captain. Lampard has served as the vice-captain and captain of England before and has done so for Chelsea in John Terry’s stead as well.
Roy Hodgson on Frank Lampard being named vice-captain of England for the World Cup:
"“Frank Lampard is vice-captain. 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. He brings a lot of other things to us in terms of his leadership qualities and characteristics.”"
Steven Gerrard has been the captain since John Terry was stripped of the title and has served in the role for several years now. He is also the logical choice over Lampard because he has featured more in Hodgson’s plans than the Chelsea man. Despite suffering a great disappointment in not winning the league after being in pole position for it and Gerrard being to blame for the loss to Chelsea which ended Liverpool’s title hopes, Hodgson thinks his captain is mentally strong enough to move past it.
Hodgson on Gerrard taking motivation from the Liverpool disappointment:
"“He’s had to swallow the disappointment of the last few weeks when he was close and had it taken away, and now he’s got the World Cup. He’s got to get over that disappointment and get his World Cup head on and I know he will. He’s very strong mentally. He cares desperately about Liverpool. But fortunately for me he cares equally desperately about England. So his mindset when it comes to England will be spot on. That’s not to say that he won’t retain a bit of disappointment that Liverpool came second and not first, he will because he’s a human being. But I have great confidence in him that he won’t take any negative thoughts into the tournament with us.”"
If Gerrard was to go down with injury or if Hodgson decides Lampard is a better fit for his tactics then he, and fans of the Three Lions, can rest easy knowing that the captaincy and leadership of their team is in good hands.
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