Lampard: 'I'll always be grateful to Sven'

Frank Lampard has expressed his undying gratitude towards Sven-Goran Eriksson and insists the head coach’s departure in July will not affect England’s World Cup chances.

Lampard has been voted England’s player of the year for 2005 by fans – the second year in succession he has won the award – and that represents a remarkable turnaround for the Chelsea midfielder who did not even make the 2002 World Cup squad.