Capello hails midfield duo

England boss backing Gerrard and Lampard

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 29th May 2008

Steven Gerrard Frank Lampard England Croatia Wembley

Gerrard and Lampard: Midfield duo

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Fabio Capello is the latest England manager to insist that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard can play together in midfield.

The talented duo, key performers for Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, have never hit the same heights when paired together on the international stage.

Many critics believe the duo are too similar, and that selecting them together leads to an unbalanced midfield, with players often being shifted into unfamiliar positions.

Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren were both determined to fit the all-action duo into their starting XI whenever possible.

And while Wednesday night's 2-0 friendly triumph over the USA was the first time Lampard and Gerrard have both started under Capello, the Italian was happy with how they performed.

Important

Anfield skipper Gerrard scored England's second goal from his unconventional left-sided role, while Lampard did little to impress through the middle.

But Capello said: "Lampard always plays well.

"They are very good players and very important players for me. I think the good players can be played together in the same team.

"I think this because in this position Gerrard is a very dangerous player for the opposition and he is free for every movement.

"He does not always come back into defensive positions but he does that sometimes as well. I was very glad for his performance."

Skipper switch

John Terry was handed the captain's armband against the USA, but Capello will again change his captain for Sunday night's friendly against Trindad and Tobago.

Terry was one of seven Chelsea and Manchester United players rested after their UEFA Champions League final exertions, with Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Bridge the only representatives of either side to remain in the squad.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry has been tipped to take the role in Port of Spain as Capello looks at all available options.

"It's not an easy decision, we have good captains, and even in my own mind I do not know what the decision will be," the Italian said.

"But I will make my mind up and when I decide I will talk with the players."