England skipper John Terry does not believe there is any chance of Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard retiring from international football.
England captain backs Chelsea team-mate to carry on
England skipper John Terry does not believe there is any chance of Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard retiring from international football.
Lampard was dropped from the starting XI for Friday's 3-0 win over Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia and only appeared as a late substitute.
It was the first time in four years the Chelsea player had not started a competitive international for which he was available.
The midfielder is now 33 and has been warned by boss Fabio Capello that he faces a fight to get back in the side, but Terry doubts whether he would consider turning his back on England.
"Frank will bounce back. You don't get that many caps and goals for your country without being a major player," Terry said ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales at Wembley.
"I think it's a bit of a lack of respect towards Frank, as well, (writing him off) given what he's given to the country.
"I'm privileged to train with him nearly every day, and he's one of the best midfielders England have ever seen. Certainly don't write him off."
When asked if Lampard may quit internationals, Terry said: "I certainly hope he won't (quit). I've not spoken to him about that.
"I don't think that's in his mind, and it's not in the forefront of my mind to have that discussion.
"I've seen him year after year in training and he's probably one of the best professionals I've come across in the game. It (quitting) won't be on his mind."
Terry added: "For all of us, our time will eventually come. We all expect that. My time is going to come. I hope that's later rather than sooner.
"But I certainly don't think Frank's shelf life is over. He'll be back in this England side for sure."
Commitment
Lampard has not always been over-popular with England fans and Terry believes his split from West Ham and subsequent success at Chelsea may be contributing factors.
But he is adamant every England supporter would acknowledge Lampard's qualities.
Terry said: "Maybe there is a little bit from his West Ham days (carried over by fans). But, even speaking to him now, he still feels for the club.
"He gave an awful lot of years and time in that club but an opportunity came up and it was probably his best decision he's ever made in football to come to a big club like Chelsea.
"We suffered a bit during the Mourinho era (reaction from supporters) when we won a few things.
"But, when you strip it all back and ask people about Lampard, people will tell you what a world-class player he is and what he's done for his country.
"If you did a one-on-one interview with all 75,000 fans who will be here tomorrow, they'll all say how good Frank Lampard is.
"In the past, players have been questioned about not coming to England. He's got that many caps already that no one could question his commitment towards England."
Tough battle
England cruised to a 2-0 win in Cardiff in March but Terry is expecting a tougher battle in the return clash.
He said: "We thought it would be a little bit intimidating in Cardiff but we started the game well, as we have done away from home in recent times.
"We could do with that tomorrow. We thought it would be tough at their place but tomorrow will be a really, really tough game. They had a great win over Montenegro at the weekend.
"We're on our guard and ready to play in the right way. We're ready."
