Liverpool fans who believe Steven Gerrard should be chosen over Frank Lampard for England often argue that their man is a more versatile player.
But when Gerrard started on the left-wing against the Czech Republic in August, Harry Redknapp, one of England’s most experienced bosses, claimed: “He has to be in the centre.” Fabio Capello obviously believed before that game that Lampard and Gareth Barry were his best options in the centre and thought he could rely on Gerrard’s fabled versatility by playing him on the left. It turned out he couldn’t.
It’s also astounding that someone supposedly so capable of adapting can’t find a way to operate in a midfield tandem with Lampard despite partnering him for over five years, while Deco developed an understanding with him minutes into his Chelsea career. The common consensus in the past was that Lampard was the one incapable of adapting, that outlook now looks questonable.
Latest attempt to accomodate Lampard, Barry and Gerrard fails
By providing the set-pieces for the two goals that got England going against Kazakhstan on Saturday, Frank Lampard emerged as the clear winner in the latest round of the “who should start in central midfield for England?” debate.
With the three-man midfield failing in the first-half, Fabio Capello switched to a 4-4-2 at half-time but rather than sacrificing Steven Gerrard it was Gareth Barry that made way. Of course, five goals followed which vindicated the decision to change shape but there was no new evidence that Lampard and Gerrard can work in tandem.
So should Capello again try to accomodate all three against Belarus on Wednesday or should he be bold and actually leave someone on the bench? Vote and leave a comment below.
Despite being voted England’s best performer in 2004 and 2005 by fans, there seems little doubt that if Frank Lampard faced Steven Gerrard in a popularity contest to determine which player should start for England, he would lose out. But our friends at chickendinner have discovered that if you want a goalscoring midfielder, Lampard should always be first choice:
INTERNATIONAL GOAL RATIO
Having scored fourteen times in 64 international appearances, Lampard averages 0.22 goals a game for England. This record is superior to Gerrard’s. The Liverpool midfielder has scored thirteen times for his country in 68 appearances, giving him an average of 0.19 goals a game. Winner: Lampard
WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Lampard’s goalscoring form in the World Cup 2006 qualifying campaign gives him an even bigger advantage. In that campaign he scored five goals, compared to Gerrard’s two and Lampard finished as England’s top goalscorer. Winner: Lampard
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
At the actual tournament it was a different story
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