Lampard eyes century of caps as star reflects over a decade on England duty

13 October 2009 15:35
Frank Lampard is desperate to join England's 100 club. The Chelsea midfielder grabbed his 75th cap in the 1-0 defeat to Ukraine on Saturday and will make it 76 against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday. Barring injury, Lampard, 31, is expected to start for England at next summer's World Cup final in South Africa. Yet, the former West Ham midfielder has set his sights on reaching a major landmark with his country. 'I want to make it 100,' said Lampard. 'I am determined to try and do that. 'I have enjoyed every cap I have got and am very proud to have reached that level because I never thought I would get that number when I won my first cap 10 years ago. 'It doesn't seem like 10 years. I will try and carry on playing for my country and will work hard to do as much as I can for as long as I can. 'If it gets me to a century of caps great, although if it gets me to a World Cup win, it would be even better.' Lampard took a while to make his mark at international level after being handed a first cap by Kevin Keegan 10 years ago. He added: 'I was disregarded for a couple of years, probably quite rightly because I don't think I was ready to play regularly for my country then and I have had my ups and downs. 'But anyone who has played for 10 years has probably had the same kind of thing. I am very proud to have reached this level.'

Source: Daily_Mail