Frank Lampard to consult Roy Hodgson over his future after conceding Chelsea days are over
The England midfielder is out of contract in the summer
Wednesday 20 March 2013
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Frank Lampard said that he would consult Roy Hodgson before he decides on which club he will join next season, with the England midfielder all but conceding there is no chance now of him staying at Chelsea beyond the season.
Hodgson had said after the Brazil friendly last month that Lampard would have more chance of prolonging his England career up to the next World Cup finals if he played for a club side in Europe. The 34-year-old has 94 caps for his country and while no longer an automatic first-choice he has five goals in his last five caps, including the winner against Brazil.
"If there's ever a time, whenever it is, where there's an option of going outside Europe, I'm sure me and Roy would have the conversation about that, whether it's before it or during it or whatever," Lampard said.
"While I'm available for England – and I certainly am now and in the future – I want to do my best to try and put myself in the squad. That doesn't change wherever it might be. Simple answer, really."
Asked whether that ruled out a move to Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Galaxy, an option for Lampard, he said: "I don't think it rules out anything. I haven't had the conversation with the manager about it. I've seen players get picked, playing all over the world. I honestly don't know that, but I'll always try and give my all and try and show my form. If that gets me in there, I'll be quite happy.
"Yes, of course, I'd respect what he [Hodgson] says. Of course, I would. First and foremost I have to make the right decision for myself before anyone else. But I'd respect that."
Following the withdrawal through injury of Michael Dawson, and then Rio Ferdinand's decision not to join up with the squad on Monday, today saw Gary Cahill pull out with injury. The Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor, as yet uncapped at senior level, was called up to replace him, the third centre-half addition to the squad after Joleon Lescott and Steven Caulker.
Lampard said that he believed his former West Ham United team-mate Ferdinand would pursue his England career despite this week's withdrawal. "Rio hasn't become unpatriotic overnight," he said. "He is a very driven man and player. Anything he does in life he is like that.
"I don't know the individual circumstances, but he will want to carry on playing good football whether it be for Manchester United or England in the future. I do know that while Rio is a player he will want to give his best."
As for England, Lampard, who missed Euro 2012 through injury, said that he had his sights set on 100 caps and at least three more goals for his country to take him to 30. "I won't lie to you, I watched Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole deservedly reach 100 caps and it's a fantastic achievement. I grew up on tales of Bobby Moore from my dad and he's the ultimate England player. So, if I could get into the bracket of 100 caps, I'd be very proud."
Meanwhile, the Everton captain Phil Neville has been added to England's Under-21s coaching staff for this summer's European Championship in Israel. He previously worked with them for the game against Belgium in February.
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