Source: Team_Talk
Lamps eager to win back England place
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard still feels he has an important part to play for Fabio Capello's England.[LNB] Now 32, the Blues vice-captain is currently going through the longest injury lay-off of his career so far, having been out since August with a hernia problem.[LNB]Lampard was a part of the England side that failed so dismally at this year's World Cup, with criticism of his performances still ringing in his ears.[LNB]Lampard's absence has also seen long-standing partner Steven Gerrard become the centre-piece of England's midfield, but the former West Ham youth product has insisted he is up for the challenge of winning back his place. [LNB]"I don't mind people saying that," he told The Times when asked whether he faced an uphill battle.[LNB]"It's their opinion. And obviously I'll disagree and try to get back and show what I can do.[LNB]"England is very up and down. You have to ride that storm - maybe storm isn't the right word, but ride the flow that comes with it." [LNB]He was also critical of those who felt that many of the old guard should be changed in favour of younger players, insisting that they should be bedded in rather than thrust into the spotlight.[LNB]"There was some very lazy talk after the World Cup of 'Let's get rid of all the old boys, let's bring all the kids in," Lampard continued.[LNB]"I just think that is the laziest thing to say. You don't have to have any knowledge of football to say that. The intelligent thing to say is, 'Yes, we need to bring the kids in, but we need to keep the experienced players to help that evolution.'[LNB]"If you're talking about bringing in a team of 19-year-old and 20-year-olds, putting all the pressure on them, you might ruin a few careers."[LNB]Lampard has also admitted that he would jump at the chance to manage Chelsea should he be given the opportunity.[LNB]"I'm going to try to get all my coaching badges over the next few years and then I would love to give it a go. To be honest I would love to manage Chelsea one day," he added.[LNB]"Whether you could walk straight into that job, I'm not so sure. I'm sure John (Terry) has similar ideas because we have both been at the club a number of years and become very affiliated to it."
