Fabio Capello may have lost faith with Frank Lampard, but bookmakers believe the Chelsea midfielder can bounce back.
Faith in Lampard to return
Fabio Capello may have lost faith with Frank Lampard, but bookmakers believe the Chelsea midfielder can bounce back from his omission against Bulgaria.
Capello surprised many by opting for Gareth Barry and Scott Parker in central midfield ahead of Lampard, who was reduced to a substitute appearance to win his 87th cap. It was the first time in almost 10 years neither Lampard nor Steven Gerrard started in a competitive England game.
With Lampard now 33, questions are being asked whether this signals the end of the midfielder as an automatic fixture in the England squad - especially given the performance of Barry, Parker and Ashley Young as the Three Lions picked up a comfortable 3-0 win in Sofia.
Online bookmaker Sky Bet have moved swiftly to answer the question, making
Lampard 6/1 not to start another competitive international fixture in his career.
Sky Bet's Dale Tempest said: "Lampard may have been left out of the team against Bulgaria, but you don't win as many caps as Frank has without being resilient.
"He's still a top midfielder who brings a lot to the table - passing, set-pieces and, most importantly, goals.
"It's hard to imagine an England side without Frank Lampard, and I think Fabio Capello will find it difficult, too. He'll be back and stronger than ever - but for those who doubt him, 6/1 is a wonderful price."
Sky Bet also
give odds of 1/10 that Lampard is named in the squad for Euro 2012. Lampard has featured in every international tournament England have qualified for since Euro 2004, although he's failed to find the net since his goal against Portugal in that same tournament.
