Source: Team_Talk
Lampard admits to penalty fears
Frank Lampard believes England need to adopt a more positive mindset if they are faced with a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup.[LNB] The Three Lions have a history of losing on spot-kicks in major tournaments and Lampard admits the players have been psychologically scarred.[LNB]The midfielder will hope to avoid such a situation in South Africa this summer but has urged his team-mates not to be fearful if it does come down to penalties.[LNB]"I think it has become a bit of an issue in the mind," Lampard told GQ Sport magazine.[LNB]"No matter how well we have played in a match, when it comes down to penalties, you think: 'Oh s*** here we go again'.[LNB]"Once you've got that mindset, it is hard to get out of it. [LNB]"That's why the Germans are so good at it. They get to penalties and they have a confidence, an arrogance I suppose that they are going to win. [LNB]"England need more of that self-belief."[LNB]England cruised through their World Cup qualifying group under Fabio Capello and Lampard feels the Italian can lead the team to glory.[LNB]Lampard said of Capello: "I think he's brilliant. [LNB]"He is very straight, very firm. You only have to look at what he has achieved in his career and at the way England are performing now to realise that this is the right way for us to go.[LNB]"There is definitely a self-belief there. I hate to sound like I'm getting carried away, but there is a new-found confidence about the team.[LNB]"Before, we knew we were good players, but I don't think we quite believed in ourselves as a squad.[LNB]"Now, we can lose what might be considered three or four key players and bring in others who do just as good a job and get us a result."[LNB]Lampard is already getting excited about the World Cup and, at the age of 31, is determined to make his mark on the global stage.[LNB]He added: "I have been thinking about it a lot. The buzz is getting around and now everyone is wishing us well for it. [LNB]"Realistically, this will be my last World Cup, so that makes it even more important for me, and for some of the older players."
