England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Lamps hails Hargreaves

04 Sep 2006 - 08:01:29

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England midfielder Frank Lampard says that he always believed that Owen Hargreaves would become a regular starter for the national team.

Twenty-five-year-old Bayern Munich ace Hargreaves has made the holding role his own since an impressive World Cup, having taken time to win over doubters in the press and among the fans.

However, Chelsea's Lampard commented: "I always knew Owen was a good player.

"When you train with him every day, you see what kind of a player he is.

"We have all been there early in our England careers, when you are in and out all the time and you can't quite show what you want.

"Owen kept his head down and he deserves credit for the way he handled himself when people were against him.

"Now he is playing with confidence and showing just how good he actually is.

"I don't know whether Owen is suffering or not from the fact he didn't join Manchester United, but he is certainly not showing it.

"He is a confident sort of lad anyway and is just continuing the form he showed at the World Cup."