Lampard backs 2018 World Cup bid: No other country can match our passion

10 October 2009 15:54
Frank Lampard has given his backing to England's World Cup bid and feels thereare 'so many reasons' why they should stage the 2018 tournament. The England and Chelsea midfielder believes no other country can match the facilities on offer in England or the passion of the supporters. Lampard, currently preparing for tonight's qualifier in Ukraine, remembers the success of England staging Euro '96 and is confident it would be emulated in nine years time. 'There are so many reasons why England would be a great place for the World Cup. I was a teenager when we hosted the Euros in 1996, and that was a fantastic competition.' he told the Football Association's official website. 'We obviously have the stadiums and I don't think there's anyone in the world that could rival the stadiums we have, that's for sure, because I've travelled and seen stadiums all over the world. 'We have the fans with an incredible passion to hold the World Cup and I know that the country will do everything to make it right for people to travel. 'The different cultures that we have in England already and the way we would accept people coming in to watch all their teams would be good. 'I think there is a real history with England and football, with Wembley Stadium as well, and although there is real competition if we go about it in the right way then for me, although I'm obviously biased, England would be a fantastic choice.' Lampard added: 'The World Cup is the biggest competition out there. I grew upwatching England whenever there was a tournament and I probably remember the1990 World Cup more than any, but also the '86 tournament as well. 'The 1990 era was a great generation to watch with the likes of Gazza and Gary Lineker and I have a particular memory of David Platt's goal against Belgium.' Lampard has felt the disappointment of England exiting the World Cup and wantsto put that right next summer. He said: 'To be involved as a player was great but it was just disappointing to go out in the way that we did. But hopefully we can come back better for that experience. 'The World Cup year is huge for a player. Obviously we all have our club loyalties and we will fight for success with our clubs until the end of the season, but then we will switch our attention to the World Cup. 'It's a long season and we can keep England in our minds and, when we are together, we will train hard and work as a group. 'We will try and be successful with our clubs and then go and try and do well at the World Cup.'

Source: Daily_Mail