End of an Era For England as Lampard Calls Time

Frank Lampard has today announced his retirement from international football after fifteen years in the white shirt.

Lampard (36), played 106 competitive games for the national side, scoring 29 goals in the process. His final game was against Costa Rica in the final group stage game of the World Cup in Brazil where he captained the side, a disappointing way to sign off to say the least, but he can be immensely proud of the service he gave to his country in an international career that spanned from 1999 until 2014.

The Manchester City midfielder also left Chelsea after thirteen years at Stamford Bridge earlier this Summer as he prepares for his new journey with new MLS franchise New York City FC. He now follows in the footsteps of captain Steven Gerrard who also hung up his England boots this Summer after a poor World Cup Campaign. Lampard has since released a statement on the issue.

“It has been a very tough decision for me to make,” Lampard said. “That is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup.” he added.

Lampard is ranked sixth in the all time England Appearances list with 106. Wayne Rooney is the only active member on the chart with 95 caps. The former Chelsea man made his debut back in 1999 against Belgium at the Stadium of Light.

Roy Hodgson has released a statement in honour of Lampard’s service. He said:

“Frank Lampard has been a superb representative of the English game – both as a player on the pitch and an ambassador off it. To reach in excess of 100 international caps is something very few professionals achieve and he is in exalted company. He has served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year international career.”

Hodgson also insisted that this decision was not on by impulse. ” I’ve been aware since discussions in Brazil that Frank was considering his England future. I spoke to him since his loan to Manchester City about the possibility of him retiring, primarily due to the fact that he’s taken on new commitments both here and abroad.”

Hodgson added: “It is with regret that I accept and understand the decision he’s made. I wish him the best of luck with Manchester City and New York City and I’d like to thank him for all the help he’s provided for me during my time as England manager.”

Today, England as a nation say goodbye to yet another icon as Lampard retires, but with Euro 2016 on the horizon, Roy Hodgson and his new-look squad can look forward to another era of passion and commitment from some of the most highly rated youngsters in world football.

(Profile Via BBC Sport)

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