Time for Frank Lampard to step up for England

Like many of you fellow Chelsea fans and England fans in general we are more often than not left wondering why can't Lampard take his form and goalscoring form for Chelsea onto the International stage?.

Maybe its to do with the tactics and formation that England play as we very rarely play the Chelsea 4-3-3 formation. Maybe its because of the role he is asked to play and to make sure under Capello for example in the USA game on Saturday playing next to Gerrard he sat deeper more than venturing forward?.

One thing is for sure Lampard will feel as though he has a performance in the major tournament in him, he is confident enough in his own ability, he knows he can put the ball in the back of net and so I expect Frank Lampard to start showing the world what he can do in an England shirt, starting tonight!.

I was reading Paul Merson's column on the SKYSPORTS website and he made an interesting point after the USA game. He said:

"Lampard is another one that apart from that one shot, didn't do anything. This is a world-class midfielder we are talking about here and for me, no other player in world football could have done what he has at Chelsea over the last five years. But for England, he goes missing. If we don't play to his strengths, then I don't see what he does.

People have been telling me it worked between him and Gerrard in the middle but I disagree. Gerrard did really well and that goal was special but the sooner Gareth Barry comes back the better.

Did or does Lampard go missing in England games? He will still work hard and be effective as he displays the defensive aspects of his game. Merson is right I don't think that England do play to his strengths.

We all know Lampard's scoring record is as good as a centre-forwards in the game. We know he likes to get forward and tonight with Gareth Barry back and possibly Gerrard moved out wide left this will give Lampard the platform to make his mark and effect the game like we all know he can.

I will say one thing, you will see a different Frank Lampard tonight and I wouldn't be surprised if he scores one or two or at least has a hand in the goals.

Come on Frank show the world why we love you!

KTBFFH