Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: Matt Le Tissier backs Frank Lampard for England penalty duty
Matt Le Tissier has backed Frank Lampard to continue as England's first-choice penalty taker despite his recent misses. [LNB]The Chelsea midfielder has a good record from the spot but his miss in the FA Cup final was followed by another in the friendly win over Japan on Sunday. [LNB]Former England midfielder Le Tissier was one of the best from 12 yards, converting 48 of the 49 penalties he took during his career. [LNB] Enlarge Spot of bother: Lampard failed to score against Japan at the weekend[LNB]He said of Lampard: 'If he backs himself then you've got to take that on board. Half the battle is if the player wants to be there. [LNB]'Obviously if he misses five in a row then you might have to take the decision out of his hands but if he's still confident then let him have them.'[LNB]And Le Tissier's advice to his countrymen is simply to be positive. [LNB]'For me it was a case of getting every negative thought out of my mind,' he said.[LNB]'Coming in visualising the crowd erupting when the ball hit the back of the net was the thing for me and I always looked forward to taking penalties because it was the best chance I was going to get to score a goal in a game.'[LNB] England's record in shoot-outs is famously woeful but Le Tissier, who won eight caps for England in the 1990s, does not believe that should be a major factor in their fortunes this time. [LNB]He said: 'It might have an effect because everybody talks about it so much but you just have to try and put that our of your mind. [LNB]'At the end of the day, they've got to stand up there and be confident and be arrogant enough to think, "this is a free shot from 12 yards, surely I'm going to score".'[LNB]The confidence surrounding England's chances in South Africa has subsided somewhat with injuries and indifferent form affecting a number of players but Le Tissier is backing Fabio Capello's men to go far. [LNB]'I'm pretty confident,' he said. 'I think we can at least make the semi-finals and from that point on it's anyone's competition.'[LNB] Accurate: Le Tissier was an expert at dead-ball situations during his career[LNB]The 41-year-old, meanwhile, has also tipped Diego Maradona's Argentina and Holland to challenge for the trophy. [LNB]Headded: 'Brazil and Spain are everyone's favourites but I'd be watchingout for Argentina. I know they've struggled in qualification but oftenyou find teams that do struggle a little bit all of a sudden pick upwhen they get to the World Cup finals and they could be one of thoseteams. [LNB]'Holland are a pretty good bet, they could be dangerous.'[LNB]And it is a Dutchman that Le Tissier is predicting will be the star of the show. [LNB]Headded: 'Obviously Lionel Messi's had a fabulous season with Barcelonaand he'll be one a lot of people will be looking for to be top man atthe tournament. [LNB]'But I'd go for a little dark horse whodidn't play much at the back end of last season but is now fit againand that's Robin van Persie. I think he's a fabulous footballer and ifhe fires he could be the tournament's top scorer.'[LNB]Glamour game: Le Tissier with Big Brother winner Sophie Reade (left) and glamour model Rhian Sugden at VIVA's Binocular Football match[LNB]Ex-England footballing legend Matt Le Tissier plays in VIVA's five-a-side binocular football match. The one-off exhibition game will be shown on VIVA entertainment channel throughout the summer. [LNB] Capello provides perfect send off as England fly out to South Africa'No regrets' Rio tells team-mates to return as World Cup winnersCrouch will be on Cloud Nine as hitman aims to emulate World Cup greatsEngland World Cup squad numbers revealed: James to wear No 1Capello wipes out break clause before jetting off to end Inter Milan's pursuit[LNB]
