Lampard still ‘important’ for England – Capello

Frank Lampard remains an “important” part of England’s squad, manager Fabio Capello said yesterday, following the Chelsea player’s surprise axing last week.

Lampard’s international career was thrown into question on Friday after Capello omitted the 33-year-old from the starting line-up against Bulgaria – the first time in nearly four years the Chelsea midfielder had been dropped.

It followed Lampard’s substitution at half-time in June’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland and prompted many to speculate that the Chelsea veteran’s England career may be drawing to a close.

However, Capello insisted Lampard remained part of his plans as England prepared for today’s Group G game against Wales at Wembley.

“Frank Lampard is a really important player like others that are here and some players that are not here like (Jack) Wilshere, Steven Gerrard and other ones,” Capello said.

“I think he’s ready to play with us. I don’t know if tomorrow he will play.

“Probably we can change the style to the one we played (today) against Bulgaria because tomorrow we are playing at home.

“He (Lampard) is one of the important players and one of the leaders of this squad.”

England captain John Terry also rallied to the defence of his Chelsea club-mate.

“Write Frank Lampard off at your peril,” Terry said.

“I have known him an awful long time and he was disappointed about not starting but trained incredibly hard the day after and he remains one of the best players I have ever played with.

“Because of his age people tend to write him off but he is still in excellent form. His record for England has been incredible.”