Frank Lampard - A hundred caps and still standing

Frank Lampard

Despite the obvious sense of underachievement that remains among the English when they think of what-may-have-been, a closer look suggests that Lampard has, in fact, been one of the most consistent, especially among those charged with England’s attacking responsibilities. Ninth on England’s all-time scoring charts with a creditable return of 29 goals from a 100 caps, he is their second highest-scoring midfielder ever – behind only the incomparable Sir Bobby Charlton. Looking even further back, a young Frank notched up an U-21 goal tally bettered only by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers (best known for being Arsene Wenger’s most expensive mistake yet – and that’s saying something).

A certain Monsieur Paul Scholes kept him out of the starting team until the world took notice at Euro 2004, where his 3 goals in 4 matches landed him a place in UEFA’s team of the tournament. England’s quadrennial quarterfinal exit notwithstanding, the ensuing period, until the next World Cup in Germany, saw him play his best football – both for club and country. Runner-up to the peerless Ronaldinho at the Ballon d’Or crowning in 2005, he was named England’s Player of the Year (by the fans, mind you) in both ‘04 and ’05. It was during this time that the world truly saw the extent of his abilities and his fantastic work-rate, not to mention a level of consistency that had his manager Jose “The Special One” (The Only One? The Happy One?) Mourinho raving.

His knack of arriving late in the danger zone at precisely the right time, combined with the unerring accuracy with which he strikes the ball, often first-time, has always been a hallmark of Frank’s game. And what a gift to have! To be atop Chelsea’s all-time scoring charts, with a haul of 204 goals (and counting) is a feat in itself. To do so from a midfield position shows just how special this man really is. Add to that his exceptional distribution, eye for the killer pass, and threat from free-kicks (only Didier Drogba, later on in his Chelsea career, ever dared to challenge Frank’s monopoly over the dead ball situation); and we have a player who, despite all his considerable achievements, is still considered not to have achieved all that he could’ve – a feeling that is mutual to all his English teammates.

A shame, really – but the disaster that was the World Cup in ’06, together with the failure to qualify for Euro ’08, shot down any realistic hopes of Lampard helping England lift a major tournament in his prime. He, more than anyone else, will rue the delay in the use of goal-line technology that deprived him of a timely goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup; a screamer from way out that had my heart pounding. A 30 yard free-kick that struck the cross-bar later on only confirmed what that it was not to be England’s day – even though Germany were certainly the better team . Injury ruled him out of Euro 2012, but by then, it was apparent that this generation of players weren’t quite good enough, on the day.

The World Cup qualifiers so far have seen England play surprisingly well – what with the greatly diminished expectations, the presence of more favoured teams, and an exciting young generation of players that knows no fear. Lampard has been central to the theme, of course. With Mourinho’s second coming at the Bridge afoot, it may just be the springboard that lifts Frank and Co. to unparalleled heights next summer in Brazil. Dare we dream it?