Frank Lampard will captain England for their international friendly in Denmark
The Chelsea midfielder will lead his country out for the first time in Copenhagen in the absence of injured regular skipper Rio Ferdinand and usual understudy Steven Gerrard, who captained England during their World Cup campaign last summer.
Lampard has struggled with injuries which have kept him out of the England set-up since August, but manager Fabio Capello is confident it is the perfect time to hand the 32-year-old the armband.
Good moment
"I think it's a good moment," said Capello ahead of the Denmark clash. "Probably he's fresher than the other players.
"I spoke with him about injuries that he suffered. I've monitored him during the last five games that he's played.
"I saw him play against Liverpool, he played a really good game."
Lampard, who will win his 84th cap for England against Denmark, says captaining his country will fulfil a boyhood dream.
"I'm very proud. I'm a very proud man," he said.
"I've been in the squad quite a long time now and I've waited patiently and it's going to be one of the proudest moments of my career to lead out the lads.
"To actually walk out (is a huge deal). I know it's a cliché but as a kid you do grow up dreaming of that moment.
"I'll try and play with an example in how I play. I'll just try and do my usual job but try and have an influence on my team."
Capello has confirmed Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, Darren Bent and Jack Wilshere will be amongst those starting on Wednesday night, while the manager intends to make up to six substitutions to fully utilise his squad
No comments:
Post a Comment