Frank Lampard wants to play in the 2014 World Cup at the age of 36, and will strive to continue playing at "a good enough level" in club football to achieve that target.
The midfielder proved his worth again to England with Wednesday night's winner against Brazil, with his 27th goal for his country in his 94th international putting him level with David Platt. As things stand, Lampard is set to leave Chelsea this summer after not being offered a new contract.
But Lampard is aiming to give himself the best opportunity to be in contention to be part of the England squad to go to Brazil - assuming they qualify. He said: "Maybe the World Cup is within reach but I'm certainly not getting carried away."
He added: "I know how football is and from squad to squad it can change, and when you get to the age of 34, 35 this summer, people do look upon things differently and fair enough. I'm very understanding of where I'm at in my career.
"But if I can continue playing for Chelsea and continue contributing here, whether it's starting or as a valuable squad member, and when I do my bit, then the World Cup is getting a bit nearer. It's certainly a target for me and, yes, I will try to keep playing at a good enough level to get there. I won't retire from England before that, put it that way."
Lampard admits England can now have cause for greater optimism thanks to the form of the fit again Jack Wilshere and the pace now in the side, as demonstrated against the Brazilians.
He said: "I know Jack is going to be a top player. Only a terrible injury halted him and he has come back and filled straight in. I don't want to heap silly pressure on him because he is very young and we shouldn't do that.
"But the way he is performing now, it's up to him how far he wants to go because he is going to be a massive, massive player for England, that's for sure. Jack got man of the match and quite rightly so, because he was what he has been since he was back in the Arsenal team.
However, Lampard admits there is still room for improvement, saying: "The good thing about us and the management and staff is that there is a desire always to do better. I think we could have better possession at times in the game, be more comfortable on the ball, and that goes for all of us.
"There is certainly improvement to be made but this is a nice step in the right direction."
Source: PA
