Lampard backs Beckham

Midfielder hails team-mate

Last updated: 13th October 2008

Lampard backs Beckham

Lampard: Backing for Beckham

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Frank Lampard believes team-mate David Beckham can still have a major role to play for England after he equalled Bobby Charlton's tally of 106 caps against Kazakhstan at Wembley.

Beckham was only brought on for the final 10 minutes of England's 5-1 win but still had time to set up a goal for Wayne Rooney and again highlighted his ability to cross a deadly ball into the danger area.

Lampard has been impressed with the attitude of Beckham who at 33 may no longer be a first choice under Fabio Capello, but can still be an impact player from the bench.

"For David Beckham to equal Bobby Charlton's number of caps is fantastic. He has been tremendous for the country over so many years," said Lampard.

"To have David Beckham in the squad, whether he is starting games or not, is brilliant and the attitude he is showing when he comes on is fantastic.

Great asset

"He is a great asset to the squad and, when he comes into the action, he brings the quality which you saw against Kazakhstan."

Lampard's much maligned partnership with Steven Gerrard again came under the microscope at the weekend after they were reunited in a three-man midfield alongside Gareth Barry.

It was Barry who was sacrificed at half-time to allow a change of formation which saw Shaun Wright-Phillips put on the left flank and Rooney pushed into a more forward role.

But Lampard refused to get involved in the debate if him and Gerrard can play together focusing rather on England's third successive win in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Lampard said: "We are asked 'have we silenced the doubters'? For us it doesn't really matter. Sometimes you have to put the hard work in during the first half to get results in the second half when the goals come.

"I don't think that is relative to whether we had two or three in midfield. Everyone played well, Gareth Barry played well while he was on the pitch as well.

"The issue of me and Steve again is not an issue. The issue is the team and the team came out winning 5-1."