Chelsea FC’s Frank Lampard Relishing Leadership Role For England
Chelsea FC midfielder Frank Lampard was an unused substitute in England’s World Cup opening loss to Italy, but as the oldest member of a young squad he has embraced his role as a leader. Lampard spoke after the match at England’s camp and singled out Ross Barkley as one of the players he would like to help mentor. Barkley is one of England’s most dynamic young midfielders but at just 20 years old with only seven caps to his name, he certainly has some growing and maturing to do.
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At 35, Frank Lampard still believes he has something left in the tank and he will surely make an impact for England in this World Cup. Many Chelsea fans feel that he should have started over an ineffective Steven Gerrard in the center of midfield and perhaps Roy Hodgson will try something different in England’s next match.
Frank Lampard on his leadership role for England:
"“I think I’ve got a role to play with someone like Ross. I am an experienced player with some great young lads and they all want to do the right thing. We can all make mistakes – whether you are 20 or 35 – so you try to help them. You might say, ‘Don’t do that on the half-way line’, but at times you have to let them go with their tricks when they are wriggling free at the opposition back-four. You want to use your experience to help them and give them a little nudge now and again.”Source: Daily Star"
If England are to advance past the group stage and onward in this summer’s World Cup, it will have to be on the back of their young and dynamic players. Players like Daniel Sturridge, Ross Barkley, and Raheem Sterling must carry the team but with the guidance and wisdom of the team’s elder statesmen. Frank Lampard is no longer the box to box midfielder he was but he can still contribute to the England cause with his experience and calmness under pressure. He can also contribute off the pitch and in training by passing his wisdom along to England’s next generation.
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