Lampard: 'Terry's the right leader'
Frank Lampard has thrown his weight behind John Terry’s bid to remain England skipper by insisting his Chelsea team-mate is the best captain he has ever played under.
England manager Fabio Capello has yet to decide who will be his permanent captain – Terry was injured for his first match in charge and Steven Gerrard had the armband – but for Lampard there is only one contender.
Lampard, speaking at a www.sponsoredbyyou.com school visit organised by England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society, said: “It’s one person’s decision as to who is made captain and it would be wrong for me to comment on it because the manager will pick the right man.
“But what I can do is talk about John Terry and say he’s the best captain I’ve worked with – and I’ve played under Marcel Desailly, who was unbelievable.
“John Terry, on and off the pitch, is a monster of a captain.
“On the pitch he plays with the attitude you want your captain to have and he talks to people around him.
“Off the pitch he gets people together and he’s a big personality in the dressing room. So I can only give him a huge reference.
“There are other candidates of course, we have outstanding players in our team and people who can be leaders. But for me, from working regularly with John, I think he’s outstanding.”
Lampard also missed the win over Switzerland due to injury but knows there are no guarantees for even England’s biggest names now that Capello is in charge.
“That’s the way it should be,” insisted Lampard. “Whatever your name may be it’s about how you are playing at the time and what you can give the team.”
Lampard was also left out of Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat at Barnsley following another twinge in his thigh but is confident of being fit for the friendly against France in Paris on March 26.
He added: “After my last game my leg was a bit tight and it was decided not to risk it at Barnsley in case I injured it again and had another six weeks out, which would have been very soul destroying.
“But at the moment I feel good. I’ve been training over the last two days and I’m feeling strong for the games coming up. It’s a big match against France and I would love to be there.
“I’m very determined to be part of the new England. When a new manager comes in you want to show what you can do and it’s been frustrating to be injured at the start.
“Now I’m fit, very happy with the way I’m playing, and I want to be part of the team and help the team.”
Lampard is hopeful his recent performances will encourage Capello to play him in Paris and believes, putting injuries aside, he is in the form of his life.
“I think it’s probably been some of the best form of my career. Unfortunately it’s been broken up by injuries, which is frustrating but my goals have been going in regularly when I’ve played and my performances have been good.
“I’ve missed games but hopefully I’ll be fresh and hungry for the last part of the season.”
Lampard also believes Michael Owen and David Beckham can force their way back into Capello’s plans.
He added: “If he’s playing we all know the qualities David has got.
“The manager has shown he will pick the best players at the time for each squad and David Beckham has certainly got the capability to be in there.
“As for Michael he’s been a great player for England and if he performs at that level there’s no reason why he won’t play.”
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