Brazilian carrot fuels Lampard
England face Ukraine in
Kyiv on Tuesday with a one-point lead at the top of Group H but defeat would
leave their hopes of automatic qualification for next year’s eagerly-anticipated
World Cup finals hanging by a thread.
The 35-year-old Chelsea player is
expected to start alongside Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere in midfield, which
would make him the eighth player to win 100 England caps.
Lampard, who
began his international career against Belgium in 1999, said the milestone would
be something to cherish.
“I will be very proud if I get on the pitch
because it’s been a long time but it wouldn’t be enjoyable to reach 100 and get
the wrong result,” told a news conference.
“We are well aware that this
is going to be a pivotal game. If we win we have it very much in our hands,
although we still have two difficult home games to come.”
Lampard missed
Euro 2012 through injury and when he appeared to slip down the pecking order at
Chelsea his international future looked uncertain.
He started against
Moldova on Friday, however, and was influential in setting up England’s opening
goal scored by Gerrard.
“I know this won’t go on forever,” said Chelsea’s
record goalscorer who has notched 29 for England.
“But the carrot of
Brazil, a huge footballing nation, a World Cup that everyone wants to be at, I
would love to take part in that, it’s as simple as that.”
Lampard, who
does not expect to be given the captain’s armband for the night, is one of three
centurions in the squad with Gerrard and Ashley Cole both on 104
caps.
His midfield combination with Gerrard has not always been a natural
fit with critics suggesting they do not play well together, but Lampard believes
England now have the perfect blend.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing with
Steven,” Lampard said. “We can talk all day about his qualities. But we had a
nice mixture the other day, Steven can start a bit deeper and we can switch it
around and with Jack Wilshere we have a world-class talent.
“It was an
honour to play with them on Friday but Tuesday is going to be a lot
tougher.”
Ukraine started their qualifying campaign slowly but a 4-0 win
in Montenegro and a 9-0 hammering of San Marino mean they are breathing down
England’s necks in the battle to win the group.
“I’ve been very impressed
with them, I think they had a bad start to the group but against us they played
with a lot of talent, technical ability and a lot of pace,” Lampard
said.
“We weren’t at out best (in the home 1-1 draw at Wembley) that
night but to not lose when you’re not at your best is a good thing. We have to
go there knowing they are a good team but need to believe in our own
ability.”