England players must keep away from controversy & focus on performing, says Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard
The 33-year-old has told his international team-mates to make headlines for their displays on the pitch, and vows that he will always be available for selection for his country
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Following the recent racism claim against England captain John Terry, his Chelsea team-mate and fellow international Frank Lampard has warned the national side that controversy is an unwanted distraction.
The players have both been selected by Fabio Capello for the squad to face Spain and Sweden. It is expected that the 33-year-old midfielder will take over the armband this Saturday against the world champions, with Terry likely to be sidelined.
The Italian manager has backed the defender and stated that he will continue as captain when he returns to the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Lampard has stated that controversy should be avoided and what happens on the pitch is most important.
He was quoted in The Sun as saying: "You have to get used to off-field situations like this – it comes with the territory of playing for a top club like Chelsea and representing England.
"What you need to do is try and keep out of whatever controversy it is. You must remember it's what matters on the pitch that's the most important.
"That's what most people react to and that's what I will keep trying to do for club and country."
The former West Ham player further stressed his love of playing on the international stage, vowing to always be available to his country.
He added: "England will always matter so much to me. I love playing for my country, I always have done.
"It's always a very proud moment and I will always feel honoured to be a part of the England squad. If it didn't matter it wouldn't be worth turning up.
"It doesn't matter if I'm on the bench or in the squad. I will always be there if selected."
England are missing a number of first-team regulars for the friendly on Saturday, and Lampard has already admitted it will be a huge test for the team.
The players have both been selected by Fabio Capello for the squad to face Spain and Sweden. It is expected that the 33-year-old midfielder will take over the armband this Saturday against the world champions, with Terry likely to be sidelined.
The Italian manager has backed the defender and stated that he will continue as captain when he returns to the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Lampard has stated that controversy should be avoided and what happens on the pitch is most important.
He was quoted in The Sun as saying: "You have to get used to off-field situations like this – it comes with the territory of playing for a top club like Chelsea and representing England.
"What you need to do is try and keep out of whatever controversy it is. You must remember it's what matters on the pitch that's the most important.
"That's what most people react to and that's what I will keep trying to do for club and country."
The former West Ham player further stressed his love of playing on the international stage, vowing to always be available to his country.
He added: "England will always matter so much to me. I love playing for my country, I always have done.
"It's always a very proud moment and I will always feel honoured to be a part of the England squad. If it didn't matter it wouldn't be worth turning up.
"It doesn't matter if I'm on the bench or in the squad. I will always be there if selected."
England are missing a number of first-team regulars for the friendly on Saturday, and Lampard has already admitted it will be a huge test for the team.
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