Frank Lampard could become the eighth English player today to win 100 or more caps for the country. PHOTO: REUTERS
On a busy night of World Cup action, a number of leading European nations could also do their chances of booking their ticket to Brazil next year a power of good.
Not least among them are Italy, who take on chief rivals the Czech Republic in Turin in Group B, while in Group C Germany could all but clinch their place with victory in Torshavn over minnows Faroe Islands, and France could put pressure on Spain at the top of Group I with victory over Belarus in Gomel.
The Netherlands should also book their place on their travels to Andorra in Group D, Russia can go back to the top of Group F with victory over Israel in St Petersburg and Norway can close the gap on Group E leaders Switzerland when they meet in Oslo.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the key South American matches see Uruguay entertain Colombia in Montevideo and Paraguay host favourites Argentina in Asuncion, while in the CONCACAF Zone, Honduras, fresh from their exploits in Mexico take on Panama. Meanwhile, the manager-less Mexicans go to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the US.
In Kiev, England will come up against the grit of a Ukraine defence which has only conceded four goals in seven games to leave them a point behind and Montenegro, who have played a game more.
Much will rest on the shoulders of the Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, at 31 a late starter at the top level, as he will have little in the way of support up front now that Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck is suspended after Friday night’s 4-0 romp against Moldova and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge will not travel due to injury.
Lampard vindicated after hard road to milestone
Frank Lampard admits he will feel a sense of vindication if he wins his 100th cap for England today. Despite being one of the most successful goal-scoring midfielders English football has ever produced, Lampard, a member of a generation of players regarded as underachievers at the international level, has not received universal acclaim.
However, his steely determination, together with a work ethic inherited from his father, has helped Lampard achieve more than other arguably more naturally talented players of his generation.
“I am thankful for my dad,” said Lampard. “He put that work ethic in me. That became ingrained in me. He probably bullied me into it a bit in younger years. I didn’t always like it at the time. But I can’t thank him enough for it now.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2013.
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