Chelsea hero at risk of shock England axe
Frank Lampard started as captain in England's last international, a friendly away to Denmark last month, but if widespread media reports are to be believed, he might not even be in the side for Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, in which the Three Lions are [1.46] favourites.
The Chelsea midfielder began the week by learning that he wouldn't retain the armband in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, with club team-mate and former skipper John Terry instead being permanently reinstated, and it is believed that more bad news is set to follow.
The Daily Mirror are among the sources to suggest that despite England's victory in Copenhagen, Fabio Capello wasn't impressed by the partnership of Jack Wilshere and Lampard in central midfield and has decided that the veteran is more expendable as he contemplates trying out another pairing.
The paper claims that the Italian coach felt that neither carried out their defensive duties to an acceptable level, a situation remedied by the half-time arrivals of Gareth Barry and Scott Parker in their places, and that one of those two will replace Lampard, with Wilshere playing further forward.
We remain slightly sceptical, as despite plenty of stories after the World Cup indicating that Capello was planning to get rid of the remains of the supposed "Golden Generation" after their round-of-16 exit, no such overhaul has occurred, and a competitive fixture isn't really starting point for one.
If Gerrard was available then the prolific midfielder's position might be under more threat, but with Barry's recent form coming in for criticism and Parker making only one appearance in the 34 games since Capello was hired, neither are likely to enjoy sustained spells as first-choice squad members.
Do you think Lampard will be dropped? Does he deserve to be? Tell us below...
Published: 24 Mar 2011
sam (March 24, 2011 9:00 AM) said:
If capello drops frank for Wilshire,then i will name him the best manager in my book,along side with mourinho and villa boas.coaches who watch players fitness and form and play them instead name and class.gone are those days of class and skill,English game of today requires strength and pace with skill though.Chelsea should follow capello's footstep and sack frank lampard.the guy is finished.
victor (March 24, 2011 10:08 AM) said:
i don't think a senior player like FL should be dropped, although he is gradually fading.i think dat capello should still play him.
Mikado (March 24, 2011 10:22 AM) said:
I think lampard should be drop &2replaced by jack,his present form,for chelsea is too poor.capelo is doing a nice job
Gbenga femi (March 24, 2011 11:26 AM) said:
It is true dat frank is fading. I disagree 2 capelo dicision in droping frank. He shld play him bcos experience in dat mid field.
donatus (March 24, 2011 11:59 AM) said:
capello shouldn't try dropping lampard at all. the fact that he didn't perform very well in one game doesn't mean he's not going to play well in other games, afterall he has proven himself a whole lot of times.
Olabiran kayode (March 24, 2011 12:09 PM) said:
I don't think that he shoud repl jark with frank,bcous frank have exprens