Chelsea’s Frank Lampard confirmed as England’s World Cup vice-captain

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as England vice captain for the upcoming World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder will captain the side if anything happens to skipper Steven Gerrard, as he has for the duration of Hodgson’s era in charge of the national side.

Still waiting at club level on a new Chelsea contract, Lampard has been recognised by Hodgson who stressed the importance of his experience in what is a young squad.

“Frank Lampard is vice-captain,” confirmed the England manager to reporters.

“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.”

Lampard made 26 league appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring six league goals, which had left his place in England’s World Cup squad in some doubt ahead of last Monday’s squad announcement. However the 36 year old was handed a place in the squad ahead of the likes of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley and has now been confirmed as Hodgson’s vice captain.

England play their first World Cup game on June 14th, taking on Italy in Manaus.

Lampard played in 68% of Chelsea’s PL games this season, but 92% of their CL games.