Source: Daily_Mail
Frank Lampard insists he was not fazed by threat of losing his England place
Spot on: Lampard celebrates his goal against Wales[LNB]Frank Lampard insists he was not worried about reports claiming he was about to be axed from the England team after an injury-hit season. [LNB]The Chelsea midfielder put his groin and calf problems behind him and scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the 2-0 win over Wales in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday.[LNB]But there was speculation before the game that Lampard would lose his place after Fabio Capello had indicated Jack Wilshere would now be an automatic starter.[LNB]However the 32-year-old showed he still has plenty to offer at international level in linking up well with Wilshere and Scott Parker at the Millennium Stadium.[LNB]When asked if he concerned about missing out at the weekend, Lampard said: 'That's typical. With England, that happens. I've been around a long time and been lucky enough to be very regular, and I triednot to let it concern me.[LNB]'We don't get the papers in there but I was aware of the talk. It's agood squad, a strong squad, and never for any minute should any player be resting on their laurels about getting picked.'[LNB]Furthermore, Lampard now believes he is back to his best but saysno player can take their England place for granted.[LNB]He said: 'I think I'm coming back to my best form now. It's been a very difficult season.'I've missed half of it - and I've never really had that kind of a break from the game before. You miss a 'pre-season' feel because you come straight back into football and then I broke down a little bit again with a calf.[LNB] Blast off: Lampard prepares to smash the ball into the back of the net on Saturday[LNB]'It's been a bit stop-start in January and February, but in the last few games for Chelsea I've started to feel as fit as I had beforehand.[LNB]'That's a lovely feeling to have back because I was out a long time and it was frustrating being out. But now I'm feeling really good. I don't go into games now worrying about the groin or anything else. I just worry about trying to play.'[LNB]Lampard believes the win over Wales has put England back on the road for qualification to Euro 2012.[LNB] He added: 'I think that win puts us in the driving seat. We drew against Montenegro, and they're the strongest team in the group with us at the moment.[LNB]'We're in a strong position. We had to win against Wales and it was a game that, on paper, we should have won even if it was not going to be easy.[LNB]'We did it. With Switzerland coming up, if we can win that game as well, we'll put ourselves in an even stronger position.'[LNB] Sold a dud! England fans left short-changed as Capello turns to his B team for GhanaWales 0 England 2: No mistakes from Capello's men after Lampard and Bent douse Welsh fire [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Jack Wilshere, Frank Lampard, Fabio Capello Places: Montenegro, United Kingdom, Wales, Switzerland
